bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internal marketing and the enactment of sexual identity
Authors: Bairstow Sam , Skinner Heather 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore issues surrounding the enactment of a lesbian, gay or bisexual person's sexual identity and their role as an internal customer of mainstream service organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis article is written from a critical marketing perspective, the prefix “critical” signifying adoption of what may be considered somewhat radical philosophies and theories, allowing questioning of not only generally accepted theories of marketing, but also the assumptions upon which they rest. The “radical” approaches, i.e. the lenses through which the critique is offered, are postmodernism and queer theory. The theoretical perspectives critiqued in this article are internal marketing and emotional labour, and the assumptions questioned are those surrounding the importance of the role of the internal customer's identity in consumption of the work role.FindingsThe findings suggest a link that needs to be made between an individual's status as an internal customer (particularly in a front‐line service job), their identity (as defined by the individual themselves), and its impact upon their consumption of work (which viewed through a postmodern lens can be seen to help create, maintain and communicate such identity).Practical implicationsFor those charged with the management of people in organisations, this paper offers critical insights into the complex practical regulation of organisational diversity in service industries.Originality/valueThe paper has drawn together various perspectives in the literature that have not previously been linked. If an external customer consumes products and services in order to create or display an identity, and if we accept the argument that employees should be treated as internal customers then the logical conclusion of this perspective is that these internal customers also create their identity through the consumption of work, and not just through their consumption of goods and services. The complexities of this proposition have been considered, using sexual identity management as one example, but the principle could equally apply to other areas of diversity among internal customers within the workplace.
The ethics of marketing in Muslim and Christian communities
Authors: Gibbs Paul , Ilkan Mustafa , Pouloukas Stavros 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper takes advantage of the closeness of two secular, separated communities on the island of Cyprus to study how controversial products and forms of offensive advertising can be related to levels of religiousness, time usage and temporality. The resulting observations are then offered as insights into the notion of ethics in the two religious groups and how these might influence marketing to multicultural communities.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on a small‐scale survey of 530 students (211 Christians, 302 Muslims and 18 undeclared) who responded to a questionnaire distributed at two privately owned, English speaking institutions, one in the north and one in the south part of Cyprus.FindingsThis study indicates a high degree of commonality between Muslim and Christian students living in the adjoining communities in Cyprus. In general, overall reactions were tolerant of most products and forms of advertising, but where there were differences occurred there were specific reactions to the forms of the advertising. Significant differences were found across the communities when devoutness was tested especially regarding products that were of a sexual nature.Research limitations/implicationsThe relatively small numbers studied in the special case of Cyprus and the focus on students could limit the generalisation of these results.Practical implicationsThe results raise some issues for marketing segmentation and image use. For instance, positive and forward‐looking images would stimulate most of the group regardless of their level of faith.Originality/valueThis paper identifies commonalties and also ontological differences that could have implications for global marketing campaigns.
Vulnerable consumers: the social impact of branding on children
Authors: Roper Stuart , Shah Binita 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on a relatively unexplored area of branding literature, which is a study of the social impact of branding upon “tweens,” pre‐adolescent children aged between seven and eleven. Brands promote a desire in consumers that allows a premium price to be commanded. What is the impact upon children from lower socio‐economic groups who may not be able to afford these premium brands?Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study involving focus groups with primary school teachers in the UK and Kenya and open‐ended projective questionnaires with primary school children in both countries formed the primary data collection. The data were then analysed using thematic analysis. The research objectives were as follows: to assess the importance of brands in the lives of primary school children and whether the exposure to brands has a positive or negative impact on children; to investigate the social impact of branding on children from low income families from the viewpoint of children and teachers; and to assess the cross‐cultural impact of brands by carrying out a comparative study on children/teachers from Kenya as well as the UK.FindingsBrands can be the cause of social division amongst children resulting in the formation of “in” groups and “out” groups. Those who do not own the right brands may be discriminated against and experience social impacts which include being teased, bullied, having low self esteem and being socially excluded. Their parents also felt the effects through pester power, the guilt of not being able to buy their children the latest brands or by financially struggling to provide these brands for their children. However, positive impacts of branding also emerged from the study.Research limitations/implicationsA brand‐oriented culture impacts upon school life in both developed and developing nations. This is an exploratory study and therefore small sample.Originality/valueA contribution to address the paucity of research on the negative impact of branding to primary school children.
A new performance‐based process model for built asset maintenance
Authors: Jones Keith , Sharp Mark 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to draw attention to the weakness inherent in the current theoretical model underpinning built asset maintenance and to propose a new performance based model that aligns maintenance/refurbishment expenditure to corporate performance.Design/methodology/approachAn action research approach was used in which participants from within a commercial organisation worked with the research team to develop a new theoretical approach to built asset maintenance. A series of meetings, workshops and interviews were used to: evaluate the organisation's approach to built asset maintenance; identify opportunities for improvement; and develop a new conceptual model of their built asset maintenance process. The logic underpinning the conceptual model was tested through a series of presentations to the organisation's middle and senior management.FindingsThe current theoretical model underpinning built asset maintenance does not allow direct links to be drawn between expenditure and impact on business performance. The new approach forces facilities managers to consider the business implications of their actions before large maintenance programmes are developed and provides feedback mechanisms to monitor the impact of any actions against key business drivers.Research limitations/implicationsAt this stage the new performance model is still theoretical and requires implementation to test its robustness and resilience.Practical implicationsThe adoption of the model will force facilities managers to consider the implications of their maintenance/refurbishment actions at a strategic level, thus placing their considerations on a similar footing to their human resource and financial counterparts.Originality/valueThis paper extends the performance based concept to built asset maintenance and provides a practical process model through which the concept can be implemented.
A qualitative approach to exploring adaptive re‐use processes
Authors: Kurul Esra 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to report on the development of a process mapping approach to explore adaptive re‐use processes.Design/methodology/approachFour case studies of adaptive re‐use projects in London (UK) were conducted. Two are reported here. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with key agents and archival research on planning case documentation. Archival research was also used to “triangulate” interview data, which was analysed by using NUD*IST (now QSR N6) and Decision Explorer™ (DE). Data analysis entailed coding in NUD*IST, and map building and analysis in DE.FindingsThe key common areas between different projects, and networked pivotal activities and issues are identified. A powerful tool for visualising project complexity, and hence for project assessment and evaluation, is provided.Research limitations/implicationsStatistical tools could have complemented the post‐analysis verification discussions with the interviewees to ensure validity of the findings. Data processing and data export/import between software tools are extremely labour intensive and time consuming. Automated visual output is relatively poor for presentation purposes. Tacit researcher bias may be inherent.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a basis for developing specific management strategies for complex re‐use projects. This novel approach could be developed into a tool for: post‐project reviews, strategic learning for experienced practitioners, educating and training academics and novice practitioners, and for managing project knowledge.Originality/valueThe creative use of NUD*IST and DE in combination is novel. Experienced practitioners will be presented with a powerful tool for visualising project complexity, and thus for monitoring and reviewing the levels of complexity at each stage, once further development, automation and sophistication are achieved. The critical aspects of adaptive re‐use process, the key activities and issues are pointed out for novice practitioners. Researchers will find the adoption of content analysis and cognitive mapping tools to process mapping innovative.
Brand+beauty+utility=property value
Authors: Roulac Stephen E. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the significant role that brand, beauty and utility play in defining property value.Design/methodology/approachBeyond introducing the idea that property value is composed of brand, beauty and utility, the factors that comprise these three components of property value are explored. The relative contributions that brand, beauty and utility make to understanding the source of property value are examined through empirical research evaluating the perceptions of the relative contributions that each of these three factors make to property value, based on the analysis of data on some 55 single family residential properties drawn from throughout the world.FindingsThe findings explain reasons why certain properties command premium prices, relative to other properties. As commerce prioritizes branding in merchandising generally – and especially for luxury goods – that brand would assume a growing significant role in property markets is not surprising.Originality/valueThese findings challenge traditional thinking and introduce a new, powerful explanation of the source of property values.
Using rents and price dynamics in real estate portfolio valuation
Authors: Baroni Michel , Barthélémy Fabrice , Mokrane Mahdi 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to use rent and price dynamics in the future cash flows in order to improve real estate portfolio valuation.Design/methodology/approachMonte Carlo simulation methods are employed for the measurement of complex cash generating assets such as real estate assets return distribution. Important simulation inputs, such as the physical real estate price volatility estimator, are provided by results on real estate indices for Paris, derived in an article by Baroni et al..FindingsBased on a residential real estate portfolio example, simulated cash flows: provide more robust valuations than traditional DCF valuations; permit the user to estimate the portfolio's price distribution for any time horizon; and permit easy values‐at‐risk (VaR) computations.Originality/valueThe terminal value estimation is a core issue in real estate valuation. To estimate it, the proposed method is not based on an anticipated growth rate of cash flows but on the estimation of the trend and the volatility of real estate prices.
A framework of anti‐phishing measures aimed at protecting the online consumer's identity
Authors: Butler Rika 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to aim to educate the internet consumer, who may be a potential phishing victim, and to suggest a framework of anti‐phishing measures, following the staggering increase in the number of recent phishing attacks. Phishing describes a method of online identity theft, in which phishers typically pose as legitimate organisations when sending deceptive e‐mail messages to internet users. When they respond to such e‐mails, victims are lured to malicious web sites, where they are duped into disclosing their personal details. In this way, phishers are able to commit identity theft, with possibly devastating consequences for the victim.Design/methodology/approachAfter a literature review of the available sources, the phishing threat is investigated by analysing the modus operandi of phishers and the basic components of a typical phishing scheme. A possible solution for the phishing problem is examined.FindingsPhishers continually target the weakest link in the security chain, namely consumers, in their attacks. Educating the online consumer about phishing, as well as the implementation and proper application of anti‐phishing measures, are critical steps in protecting the identities of online consumers against e‐mail phishing attacks.Originality/valueThis article proposes measures that internet consumers can take to ward off phishing attacks, as well as remedial actions that they can take after falling victim to such an attack. By implementing these measures online, consumers can minimise the risk of becoming victims of successful phishing attacks, as well as remedy the negative effects of any past disclosure of information to phishers.
Using journal use study feedback to improve accessibility
Authors: Zainab A.N. , Huzaimah A.R. , Ang T.F. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine users preference and use of electronic journals in general, especially those published in a hosting system,Electronic Journal of the University of Malaya(EJUM)Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized the survey method and employed an online questionnaire as the data collection instrument. A list of 330 users who registered withEJUMwas selected and an e‐mail was sent to each with an invitation to complete the survey form linked to their mail. A total of 140 responses were returned, out of which 102 responses were usable.FindingsThe electronic journals are used for searching new information, reading full‐text articles, reading abstracts, and browsing the table of contents. Users are led toEJUMby chance while browsing the internet (41.8 per cent) when searching using Google, through citations obtained from conference papers, from articles or citations in databases. About 50 per cent of respondents rated the journals as “good” and 20.6 per cent rated “fair”. Respondents prefer keywords (28.9 per cent) and title (24.3 per cent) searches. The majority of respondents (70 per cent) prefer articles in PDF. The majority of respondents read the abstracts first to determine relevance before downloading the articles. Respondents believe that electronic journals will either co‐exist with print journals (46.2 per cent) or replace the print journals (25.5 per cent) or supplement (25.5 per cent) them. Users indicate the functions and features preferred in electronic journals.Practical implications/limitationsA HTML indexing page is created to automatically harvest the meta labels from the contents pages of journal issues, which is captured by Googlebot of Google Scholar. This strategy improves accessibility as Google Scholar provides citation and publication counts for articles and authors. A quality matrix for an electronic journal system is presentedOriginality/valueThe study shows the extent to which e‐journals are used in Malaysia and provides a matrix of usability features which potential electronic journal publishers could consider.
A study of the information literacy capabilities of the Kuwaiti police officers
Authors: Al‐Daihani Sultan M. , ur Rehman Sajjad 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the information literacy capabilities of Kuwaiti police officers by focusing on computing and information skills and perceived value of information sources. The study is designed to test the hypothesis that there existed significant differences in information literacy capabilities based on three personal characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey was conducted of 211 police officers enrolled in a training program; 60 percent responses were received and analyzed using SPSS package.FindingsIt was found that generally the Kuwaiti police officers had weak computing and information capabilities. They were generally poor in searching skills. It was further found that departmental affiliation exhibited significant differences for computing and information skills.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its type in this region and has significant value in making it clear that appropriate programs of training are needed for the development of information and computing skills among Kuwaiti police officers.
Thinking preferences as diagnostic and learning tools for managerial styles and predictors of auditor success
Authors: Clayton Penny , Kimbrell Janet 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the thought processes of financial auditors in order to offer additional information on factors affecting their decision behavior.Design/methodology/approachUsing the psychology concept of cerebral dominance, two different instruments are used to measure the thinking styles of 20 auditors, at different stages of management. Prior research has indicated that “whole‐brain” thinkers (who do not exhibit dominance in either left‐ or right‐brain) may make better decisions, and thus, better managers.FindingsThe results of this study show partners in public accounting firms usually exhibiting a whole‐brain thinking style, while lower levels of management (staff auditors and managers) usually exhibit left‐brain thinking styles.Originality/valueThe findings have implications for training, education, communication, managerial styles, as well as the individual's position within the firm.
Utilizing multi‐dimensionality in the workplace: a meta‐study
Authors: Leonard Barbara , Biberman Jerry 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and compare various theoretical models of decision making such as classical rational decision making, left‐brain/right‐brain dominance decision making, utilization of tacit knowledge in decision making, utilization of intuition in decision making, utilization of emotional intelligence in decision making, a systems approach to decision making, and spirit‐based decision making.Design/methodology/approachStudies on different modalities of decision making are reviewed, discussed, and compared.FindingsThe traditional assumption of the optimality of rational decision making may be improved by including other dimensions of decision making. It is posited that organizations that encourage and support multi‐dimensional decision making, which utilizes the rational, intuitional, emotional and spiritual aspects of the whole person, develop better management–employee relations, more creative problem solving, and better market place performance.Research limitations/implicationsDevelopment and testing of instruments that measure multi‐dimensional decision making would extend the scope of this study.Originality/valueThis paper compares different styles of decision making to assist the manager in making optimal decisions. By expanding on the traditional rational decision making model to include other dimensions of decision‐making, managers are able to capture additional information in framing their decisions.
Pathfinders and trailblazers
Authors: Benefiel Margaret 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address a number of significant field‐shaping questions faced by scholars in the burgeoning new field of spirituality in organizations. How should spirituality in organizations be defined? What correlation can be established between an organization's spirituality and its financial performance? What research methods are most appropriate for this work – quantitative, qualitative, a combination of the two, or entirely new methods? The answers given to these questions will determine the shape of this new field and the direction research will take over the next several decades.Design/methodology/approachThese questions are addressed by mapping the terrain of current spirituality in organizations scholarship, examining trails being blazed by pioneers venturing into this new territory, and then broadening the boundaries.FindingsThis article articulates academic challenges facing scholars who wish to continue to broaden the boundaries of research into spirituality in organizations, and suggests some ways forward.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the pioneers who are blazing trails in the spirituality and organizations terrain.