bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retailers' different value perceptions of mobile advertising service
Authors: Komulainen Hanna , Mainela Tuija , Tähtinen Jaana , Ulkuniemi Pauliina 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine why retailers' perceptions of the value of a novel technology‐intensive mobile advertising service differ.Design/methodology/approachThe research design follows an abductive approach. The empirical data were gathered through a field experiment by interviewing retailers who used a mobile advertising service for the first time.FindingsThis study suggests a categorisation of customer‐perceived value sub‐elements in a novel technology‐intensive business‐to‐business (b‐to‐b) service consisting of two outcome‐level benefits, three process‐level benefits, and two types of sacrifices, i.e. monetary and non‐monetary. Furthermore, the study suggests that the value elements are not of equal importance. Different retailers value different threshold benefits that influence their willingness to use the service. Moreover, the retailers' participation in value co‐creation with a service provider influences the value perceived from the service.Research limitations/implicationsThis experimental empirical setting involves two limitations. The trial period was relatively short and, due to the development stage of the service, the use of the service was offered free of charge. Therefore, future research should be conducted with commercialised novel technology services.Practical implicationsRetailers differ according to their willingness and ability to use novel technology‐intensive services, which also reflects how they perceive value and what kind of value they perceive. Thus, mobile service providers need to consider offering different service packages to different types of customers. Service providers also need to ensure that retailers are aware of all the commercial and non‐commercial benefits of the novel service. Retailers should realise that the commercial potential of mobile advertising is different from the traditional means of advertising.Originality/valueFor a research audience, the study extends the existing research on value creation by focusing on retailers' different value perceptions of a novel technology‐intensive b‐to‐b service. For developers of an innovative technology‐intensive service, the study shows the different customer types and how they influence buying decisions.
Electronic healthcare: a study of people's readiness and attitude toward performing self‐diagnosis
Authors: Lanseng Even J. , Andreassen Tor W. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the introduction of self‐service technology (SST) in health diagnosis as a means to reduce costs and improve quality in the health care sector – at the same time.Design/methodology/approachA survey with an internet‐based medical self‐diagnosis application as the focal technology is conducted. The research hypotheses are tested by using a scenario and questionnaire approach, in which respondents prior to responding read a scenario.FindingsTo test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling using LISREL was performed. It was found that the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for users, described according to the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) as pioneers, has a very good ability to predict future behavioral intent. TAM has an excellent capability to predict future behavioral intent of this new application in this new context, i.e. health care services.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only tests TAM for a given population described as pioneers. Future research should test for other categories of users, as this may impact different drivers of behavioral intent/adoption in the TAM.Practical implicationsFor policy makers (e.g. politicians), this study has great implications as it documents a methodology of testing a population's receptiveness to new technology – technology that can greatly improve quality, costs and satisfaction issues with government services and reduce risk when implementing the new service.Originality/valueIn the context of increased healthcare spending and possibly unsustainable healthcare‐funding models, the current research investigated people's readiness and attitude toward performing self‐diagnosis which may offer a patient‐centered access to health services. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this has never been done before.
A method to evaluate service delivery process quality
Authors: Di Mascio Rita 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a method to evaluate the quality of service delivery process designs, based on how closely they meet process requirements of key stakeholders while taking variability into account.Design/methodology/approachA Monte Carlo computer simulation of the flowchart of the service delivery process is used to capture the effects of multiple types of variabilities and parametric uncertainties on process variables of interest, and the Taguchi quality loss framework is applied to estimate overall process quality. As an example, a proposed modification to a patient‐treatment process in a hospital emergency department is evaluated.FindingsThis paper demonstrated a method that service managers can use to evaluate the quality of service delivery process designs.Practical implicationsThis method can evaluate modifications to various aspects of a service delivery process, and can assist managers to fail‐safe the entire process. Furthermore, it characterises process quality using a range of probable values instead of a single value, such as the process mean, and thus provides a more realistic representation of quality.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to service engineering in two ways: by adapting the Taguchi quality loss approach, commonly used to assess manufacturing process quality, to a service delivery process; and by incorporating uncertainty, due to imprecise knowledge of process parameters, into the quality assessment.
Do hoteliers need to manage image to retain loyal customers?
Authors: Kandampully Jay , Hu Hsin‐Hui 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to understand the relationships between service quality and customer satisfaction and how they impact corporate image and customer loyalty.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from several cities in Mauritius. The study sample included participants who stayed in various hotels in Mauritius; the participants were randomly approached and invited to participate in a survey on their respective hotel's services.FindingsCorporate image is influenced both by service quality and customer satisfaction, which in turn influences customer loyalty. Thus, the key to customer loyalty appears to be the fostering of a favorable image of the hotel firm created by improving service quality and satisfying customers.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the difference in values and cultures among different countries, the findings need to be confirmed by further evidence from other countries. Future research should further investigate the impacts of service quality, customer satisfaction, corporate image, and behavior intentions on organizational performance measures such as profitability, extend the integrative framework and incorporate other variables.Practical implicationsThis study clearly illustrates the importance of a long term focus on superior service delivery on a firm's image. Service quality and customer satisfaction should therefore aim to enhance a long term image of the firm in the customer's mind.Originality/valueThis research clearly adds new knowledge to the present body of hospitality literature and will assist managers by providing a practical approach to enhance customer loyalty.
Serving food safety: consumer perceptions of food safety at restaurants
Authors: Knight Andrew J. , Worosz Michelle R. , Todd E.C.D. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe goals of this study were to study consumer perceptions of food safety at restaurants and to compare these results to those of other food system actors.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study were gathered from telephone interviews conducted with 1,014 randomly selected US adults.FindingsThe main findings were that a substantial number of consumers think about food safety in general and particularly when eating at restaurant establishments; and while a majority of consumers stated that restaurants were doing a good job, were capable, and were committed to food safety, in comparison to other actors, restaurants ranked significantly lower than farmers, food processors and manufacturers, and grocery stores and supermarkets.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this study was that distinctions were not made between fast food and sit‐down restaurants or other types of restaurants, e.g. chains, independent, and ethnic. These results highlight the need for more comprehensive studies on how food safety issues affect consumer perceptions of restaurants and how these perceptions affect consumer behavior.Practical implicationsThe findings reinforce the importance of food safety behaviors at restaurants, particularly in the areas of personal hygiene and workplace sanitation, food handling, and food preparation.Originality/valueThis paper helps restaurant managers to better understand consumer perceptions of food safety and highlights the importance of instituting and monitoring food safety practices.
From blueprint to implementation
Authors: Herstein Ram , Mitki Yoram , Jaffe Eugene D. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeIn recent years, the field of corporate identity management has grown substantially in importance in the hospitality industry. Managers of hotels have become increasingly interested in learning methods that have been successful in communicating a new corporate identity. The purpose of this case study is to document the design and implementation of new corporate identity communication process.Design/methodology/approachThis article describes a holistic process of designing a new corporate identity for a leading hotel management group, with a focus on implementation of its corporate communication process.FindingsThe case study described here suggests that corporate identity communication occurs at four levels – internal and external, formal and informal – and provides a strategic framework for any hotel chain management in implementing a new corporate identity.Originality/valueThis case study adds a new element to the process of communicating image/identity to internal and external stakeholders in the hospitality industry.
Where to find the lowest hotel room rates on the internet? The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Law Rob , Chan Ivy , Goh Carey 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis study aims to examine online room rates in Hong Kong hotels. It focuses on comparing and contrasting the lowest hotel room rates that are available to customers.Design/methodology/approachEight distribution channels and 45 hotels in Hong Kong were examined for online room rates in a 13‐month period from 2005 to 2006. The eight distribution channels represented different nature of operations including both indirect and direct distribution channels.FindingsEmpirical findings showed the web sites of local travel agents and local reservation agents offered the lowest online room rates, and that indirect distribution channels offered lower room rates than direct distribution channels.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of this study is the geographic limitation of hotel selection.Originality/valueFindings of the study are expected to provide insights for hoteliers to refine their online room rate strategy.
An analysis of the dynamics of the tourism industry in Brazil: challenges and recommendations
Authors: Sobral Filipe , Peci Alketa , Souza Gustavo 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to present an analysis of the dynamics of the tourism market in South America and, more specifically, in Brazil, by measuring and analyzing the growth in tourists' arrivals to the region between 1998 and 2002.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the shift‐share technique that decomposes the growth of the number of tourists into various components, enabling in‐depth diagnosis of the dynamics of the sector in the period.FindingsDespite the fact that Brazil is the leading tourist destination in South America, the study shows that Brazil has been losing ground in relation to some of its neighbors in South America. The study also revealed the impact of 9/11 and Argentina's crises and the growing participation of the European tourist in Brazil.Originality/valueDespite some limitations, this technique has the advantage of focusing on a region scarcely studied in mainstream tourism researches and offering Brazilian policy‐makers a new methodology such that they may take advantage of emerging opportunities and create competitive advantages for the country.
Exploring the benefits of vendor managed inventory
Authors: Sari Kazim 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the performance increase achieved by vendor managed inventory (VMI) under different levels of outside supply capacity, demand uncertainty, and lead time.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses discrete event simulation to explore the performance increase achieved by VMI under different supply chain scenarios.FindingsThe analysis suggests that when implementing a VMI program, the capacity restrictions of suppliers have to be taken into consideration even though they have not participated in the program. Furthermore, the results also show that unless the retailer provides additional information to the distributor to resolve the uncertainty, higher levels of uncertainty in market demand create significant reductions in the savings realized by VMI. Finally, this study proves that, regardless of lead time horizons, VMI provides nearly the same level of performance increase as long as the ratio of the retailer's lead time to that of the supplier's remains constant.Practical implicationsThis analysis provides a means for practitioners to understand the impact of various environmental and operational factors on the performance increase achieved by VMI so they can better analyze their specific business conditions to prepare their organizations for more successful VMI programs.Originality/valueAlthough there is a range of research focusing on VMI, only a few of those have tried to identify the factors that play an important role in the failure of VMI programs. While extending the current literature, this is the first study to explore the impact of outside supply capacity on the performance improvements achieved by VMI.
The returns management process in supply chain strategy
Authors: Mollenkopf Diane , Russo Ivan , Frankel Robert 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider theory development related to returns management within supply chain strategy. The marketing/logistics relationship relative to the returns management process is investigated.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory qualitative methodology. Managers in five Italian firms, across marketing and logistics roles, at strategic and operational levels were interviewed.FindingsFour key findings emerged: strong evidence exists that strategic goals and policies are being implemented; cross‐functional integration within the firms is broader than was expected; the more integrated firms deal better with external factors influencing the returns management process; and supply chain orientation – including forward and reverse supply chain flows – is linked to effective returns management.Research limitations/implicationsFirms were pre‐selected for participation, due to researcher's time constraints. Additionally, given the pan‐European approach to many supply chains, this Italian research needs to be replicated in other (western and eastern) European settings to determine the robustness of the factors posited to be important to the returns management process. Finally, other functional areas beyond marketing and logistics are involved in returns management, and will be more formally incorporated into future research.Practical implicationsReturns management – increasingly being recognized as affecting competitive positioning – provides an important link between marketing and logistics. The broad nature of its cross‐functional impact suggests that firms would benefit by improving internal integration efforts. In particular, a firm's ability to react to and plan for the influence of external factors on the returns management process is improved by such internal integration.Originality/valueReturns management has been under‐represented in much of the logistics and supply chain literature. This paper represents the first stage of an on‐going research project aimed at providing a theoretical framework for understanding the returns management process within a firm's supply chain strategy.
Lattice Boltzmann method simulation gas slip flow in long microtubes
Authors: Huang Haibo , Lee T.S. , Shu C. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how using lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) aids the study of the isothermal‐gas flow with slight rarefaction in long microtubes.Design/methodology/approachA revised axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann model is proposed to simulate the flow in microtubes. The wall boundary condition combining the bounce‐back and specular‐reflection schemes is used to capture the slip velocity on the wall. Appropriate relation between the Knudsen number and relax‐time constant is defined.FindingsThe computed‐slip velocity, average velocity and non‐linear pressure distribution along the microtube are in excellent agreement with analytical solution of the weakly compressible Navier‐Stokes equations. The calculated‐friction factors are also consistent with available experimental data. For simulations of slip flow in microtube, LBM is more accurate and efficient than DSMC method.Research limitations/implicationsThe laminar flow in circular microtube is assumed to be axisymmetric. The present LBM is only applied to the simulation of slip flows (0.01 < Kn0<0.1) in microtube.Practical implicationsLattice‐BGK method is a very useful tool to investigate the micro slip flows.Originality/valueA revised axisymmetric D2Q9 lattice Boltzmann model is proposed to simulate the slip flow in axisymmetric microtubes.
Latent and sensible heat transfer in air‐cooling applications
Authors: Comini G. , Savino S. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeJoint descriptions of both heat and mass transfer and thermodynamic aspects of air‐cooling applications cannot be easily found in the literature. Numerical analyses are a notable exception since suitable physical models and realistic boundary conditions are a prerequisite of accurate simulations. Thus, it is believed that the experience gained with numerical simulations might be of some help also to designers of air‐conditioning and drying systems. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn the text, the physical implications of governing equations and boundary conditions utilized in numerical simulations are extensively discussed. Particular attention is paid to the thermodynamically consistent definition of latent and sensible heat loads, and to the correct formulation of the heat and mass transfer analogy.FindingsComparisons of analytical and numerical results concerning forced flows of humid air over a cooled plate validate the assumptions made in numerical simulations, both for air‐conditioning applications (almost always characterized by low rates of mass convection) and drying applications (almost always characterized by high rates of mass convection).Originality/valueFinally, with reference to the cold plate problem investigated here, the effects of the suction flow induced by condensation on the Nusselt number are quantified.
Optimization design of microchannel cooling heat sink
Authors: Shao Baodong , Sun Zhaowei , Wang Lifeng 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to optimize the shape and size of microchannels cooling heat sink, which has been widely used to cool electronic chip for its high heat transfer coefficient and compact structure.Design/methodology/approachSequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) method is used to optimize the cross‐section sizes of microchannels. Finite volume method is used to numerically simulate the cooling performance of optimal microchannel cooling heat sink.FindingsThe optimized cross‐section shape of microchannel is rectangular, and the width and depth of microchannel is 50 and 1,000 μm, respectively, the number of microchannels is 60, and the corresponding least thermal resistance is 0.115996°C/W. The results show that the heat transfer performance of microchannel cooling heat sink is affected intensively by its cross‐section shape and dimension. The convection heat resistance Rconv between inner surface in microchannels and working fluid has more influence in the total heat resistance. The heat flux of chip is 278 W/cm2 and, through the optimization microchannel cooling heat sink, the highest temperature in the chip can be kept below 42°C, which is about half of that without optimizing heat sink and can ensure the stability and reliability of chip.Research limitations/implicationsThe convection heat transfer coefficient is calculated approximatively here for convenience, and that may induce some errors.Originality/valueThe optimized microchannels cooling heat sink may satisfy the request for removal of high heat flux in new‐generation chips.
One reputation or many?
Authors: Helm Sabrina 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe firm's reputation is one of its most valued intangible assets. Scientific and managerial interest in corporate reputation grows steadily. Reputation management – one of the cornerstones of corporate communications – seeks to align communication with stakeholder groups as to prevent a fragmented reputation. As yet, little is known about the perception of corporate reputation amongst the different stakeholders of a firm. Comparative empirical evidence has remained scarce. The aim of this paper is therefore to raise fundamental questions about reputation: how it may or may not differ between stakeholder groups and how firms can take these differences into account when measuring and managing corporate reputation.Design/methodology/approachA single‐case, but very substantial, quantitative empirical study among German consumers, employees, and private investors of a consumer goods producer. Methods of data analysis include cluster analysis, ANOVA, and structural equation modelling using partial least squares.FindingsThe data analysis shows that the criteria applied by individuals belonging to different stakeholder groups in assessing corporate reputation are rather similar. Differentiation emerges in relation to actual perceptions of various reputational facets.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for building and interpreting the results of stakeholder‐related measures of corporate reputation and for reputation management.Originality/valueThe paper integrates different stakeholders' perceptions of corporate reputation within one empirical design and delivers insights into the relevance of adapting reputation measures to specific stakeholder groups.