bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advertising message processing amongst urban children
Authors: Panwar J.S. , Agnihotri Milan 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis study is designed to extend knowledge of cognitive processing of advertising messages by urban children in India.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 250 children aged between 7 and 12 years, drawn in the sample from five major towns of the relatively affluent western state of Gujarat (India) by using the cluster sampling approach. A simple questionnaire using three point rating scale was administered with the help of moderators. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.FindingsIt was found that children's ability to decode and process advertising messages and to understand their intents is influenced not only by their cognitive abilities at different age strata but also by their social and personal environments. Social norms related to acceptability and appropriateness of gender behavior also influence the processing of ad messages by the children of both sexes. Other elements like likeability of the model, character or endorser, story line, slogan and the music will create liking or disliking for a particular advertisement and hence decoding of its message.Research limitations/implicationsAs it was not possible to use advanced psychometric tools for the study on children, a simple three a point scale used for the purpose could have had its own limitations. Future research can benefit from further improvements in measuring techniques.Originality/valueHow children decode an advertising message and what are the sources of influence is not an actively researched topic in India. The study would therefore contribute towards better understanding of children's processing abilities and designing of effective communication strategies.
Relational switching costs, satisfaction and commitment
Authors: Vasudevan Hari , Gaur Sanjaya S. , Shinde Rajesh Kumar 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis study attempts to understand the impact of relational switching costs and satisfaction on commitment as well as its impact on the satisfaction – commitment link in a supplier‐to‐manufacturer context in manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study were collected from the small and medium size manufacturing firms located in and around Mumbai. A total of 67 CEOs/business heads were randomly selected and personally interviewed with the help of a structured questionnaire.FindingsStudy strengthens the view that small and medium enterprises need to invest in relationships so that such investments are turned into relational switching barriers and they would thereby help in increasing customer retention. It also shows that if relational switching costs are higher, then even if satisfaction is lower the customer is less likely to terminate the relationship.Research limitations/implicationsFor marketing practitioners, the findings validate the long‐held belief that relationship marketing orientation is critical for business performance. However, data in this study were obtained from manufacturing firms, which are into plastics and light engineering sector. Replication of this study on a wider scale across different industries is essential for the generalization of the findings. Further, it could be useful to explore the complexities of the relationship between relational switching costs and other types of switching costs like the set‐up and financial costs.Originality/valueAlthough empirical studies have dealt with the customers’ switching behaviour, the concept of relational switching costs and its impact on other relational parameters is relatively new. This study's unique contribution is in this direction.
Supporting new product creation in the Mondragón Valley
Authors: MacGregor Steven P. , Arana Joseba , Parra Igor , Pilar Lorenzo Ma. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeWithin the Mondragón Valley – an industrial heartland in the Basque Country, in the North of Spain – there has been a growing need for a practical model of the new product development (NPD) process which fulfils a variety of needs, notably the integration of strategy and technology considerations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a review of the state of the art in the NPD field, focusing on the use and limitations of both established and newer models for guiding product development. This is combined with the experiences of managing real NPD projects for companies in the Mondragón Corporación Cooperativa over the past several years.FindingsThe paper presents the Ikerlan new product creation (NPC) model, designed primarily in response to area needs, which attempts to combine the most useful aspects of existing NPD models.Research limitations/implicationsIn the first instance, the model is created for use by companies in the Mondragón Valley – therefore it may not be possible to generalise findings, yet the paper may be instructive in showcasing the real industrial innovation needs of a European region. The model evolved from several notable works in the NPD community which may address these limitations in part.Practical implicationsThe model may be used as a basic guide for aspects including NPD outsourcing, idea generation and, ultimately, reducing time to market. This is specifically tailored to companies in the Mondragón Valley. However, depending on the operating context certain aspects may be transferable to other European areas.Originality/valueThe paper details the industrial context, introducing the Mondragón cooperative – the largest industrial cooperative in the world with over 100 companies in seven industrial sectors – the academic context, discussing state of the art in NPD processes and models, and concludes with short industrial cases which show the potential use of the developed model. As such, insight is presented into a European area with a tradition of innovation, together with some of the challenges it faces in the years ahead. A new NPD model, combining the most useful aspects of existing models may also be of use to certain members of the academic and industrial communities.
Achieving internal process benchmarking: guidance from BASF
Authors: Binder Mario , Clegg Ben , Egel‐Hess Wolfgang 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the work discussed in this paper is to understand, analyse and benchmark the “Packing and Filling” processes within BASF. A benchmarking project is described in detail which aimed to cover sites in different countries that supplied many different variants of finished goods in order to establish best practice and then to generate some options for their implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe project used an adaptation of accepted benchmarking methodology combined with other techniques (such as rich picture generation, and cluster analysis) to maximise the insight generated.FindingsThe findings of the research showed that one of the main factors effecting the process was how third parties were used (e.g. extent and nature of out‐sourcing, and its degree of centralisation).Research limitations/implicationsThe exercise was challenged by the selection of suitably similar benchmarking candidates because the environment was complex and highly varied; the paper explains practical solutions for dealing with this challenge.Practical limitationsStrategic and tactical options are outlined at the end of the paper and will have applicability to other organisations and industries that are looking to find the answers to frequently asked questions about how to successfully implement an internal process benchmarking project in a large complex organisation that has high variety in end products and delivery methods.Originality/valueThe methodology described in this paper is of a proprietary and unique nature. The paper is structured around some key questions commonly asked of benchmarking, and the answers are provided via a real in‐depth case study from BASF that spans 4 sites in 3 countries using 15 different filling lines.
Linking strategy into operational management
Authors: Haapasalo Harri , Ingalsuo Kari , Lenkkeri Timo 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find a means of connecting strategic management and operative performance measurement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the balanced scorecard (BSC), its levels of use and utilization, the influence of specific features, the most used metrics and features of successful implementation of the BSC in the energy sector. The paper is based on empirical interviews with 16 locally operating energy companies and business units of larger corporations. BSC is a wide spread strategic management system which originated in the early 1990s. The aim of the BSC is to facilitate in depth discussion about a company's vision, strategy and critical success factors and translate them into specific measures and objectives in action.FindingsThe study shows that maintaining a vision and a strategy has not been very prevalent in Finnish electricity companies. However, the deregulation of the energy markets in Finland, from the mid‐1990s, has increased the competition and made maintaining a strategy all the more important. Adjustment to this deregulation and the large number of different businesses are special features of the electricity sector. It can be concluded that benchmarking on other industries, where BSC has been in use, leads to better results faster in the energy sector. However, it has to be noted that strategy and management have to be seen as a unique set of activities. In the construction phase of the BSC, the process of searching for the metrics is more important than finding them.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into linking strategy into operational management.
Adoption of low mobility services: “Little‐Smart” in China as a case
Authors: Tan Zixiang (Alex) , Chen Hsiang , Liu Xiaozhong 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper documents and examines the course of the Little‐Smart deployment in China by looking closely at the technology comparison, demand pull and supply push, as well as government regulations.Design/methodology/approachIt deploys an empirical approach and relies on second‐hand statistical data and some interviews.FindingsFindings suggest that the competitive advantages, including the price difference between low mobility services and cellular phone services, are the most significant drivers for the fast deployment and growth of low mobility services including PHS and Little‐Smart service, with the aid of other non‐economic factors. The changing landscape in China's wireless market, including possible significant drop of cellular phone service prices as well as overall business and regulatory dynamics, will create an uncertain future for the Little‐Smart service to move through its product life cycle in the next few years.Originality/valueFindings of this study could be significant both for China and for other countries to optimize their strategies for low mobility services.
Evaluation of small on‐site wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Hellström Daniel , Jonsson Lena 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the project was to evaluate and demonstrate new solutions for decreasing the discharges from on‐site wastewater treatment plants.Design/methodology/approachThe study evaluated several on‐site wastewater treatment plants. Seven of the investigated facilities were package plants, two were urine separating plants with large sand filters, two had storage tanks to collect wastewater separated from toilets and compact sand filters, and, finally, four had chemical precipitation in combination with large sand filters.FindingsAll of the systems have shown that they are able to remove more than 90 per cent of the phosphorus and more than 90 per cent of the organic matter. The sorting systems also give very low local emissions of nitrogen. To guarantee that the package plants perform well and manage to fulfil high reduction demands, there is a need for well functioning organisations for supervision and operation. The source separating systems require well‐informed and motivated users to achieve low discharges.Originality/valueThis study has been followed with great interest by national and local environmental authorities. Such ambitious evaluation of different on‐site wastewater treatment systems has never been done before in Sweden. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is expected to soon publish new demands for these systems. The results from the project have been an important input for the proposal of new national regulations.
Impact of energy pricing on buildings' energy design
Authors: Papadopoulos Agis M. , Stylianou Antis , Oxizidis Simos 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss the impact of energy pricing on the implementation of low energy design principles in buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe problem of rising air‐conditioning loads is not simply a matter of availability of power‐plants, but also one of the limited time periods over which demand peaks occur. The relationship between the feasibility of technical solutions and pricing policies of electricity is examined by means of a Greek case study, which is representative for Southern Europe.FindingsThe paper finds that in conventional air‐conditioning systems the impact of the peak cooling demand on the building's capital expenditure is low, compared to the operational expenses over the buildings' life cycle. In that sense the latter's reduction lies in the interest of the building's user, rather than the investor. If, however, changes in the pricing policies were to be adopted, annual operational expenses would more than double, making energy saving measures far more attractive. Such a scenario would reflect the Californian experience of 2000. However, it is misleading to think only of covering the demand, which is a product of the building's characteristics. Passive cooling techniques are very efficient in reducing the building's cooling load. The challenge lies in the integration of such techniques and solar cooling technologies, resulting thus in feasible solutions.Practical implicationsThe evaluation of energy conservation techniques should be considered under the criterion of embodying the actual marginal operational cost of a utility to its rates, when providing peak loads.Originality/valueThe paper rejects the false dilemma of passive vs active energy conservation approaches, and demonstrates that on the long run the “business as usual” way of keeping electricity rates fairly flat is not only impracticable, but also destructive for energy conservation as such.
Corporate governance codes in the European Union
Authors: Hermes Niels , Postma Theo J.B.M. , Zivkov Orestis 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to analyze to what extent the contents of corporate governance codes of countries in the European Union are driven by external (internationally accepted corporate governance best practices) or domestic (institutions, culture, etc.) forces.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares the contents of codes with the priorities set by the European Commission with respect to modernising company law and enhancing corporate governance in the European Union.FindingsThe analysis shows that the majority of the codes of the European Union countries are not in full accordance with the priorities of the European Commission. This may reflect that codes are driven by both external and domestic forces. Whether there is a difference between Western European and Central and Eastern European countries in this respect is also investigated, but no difference, at least at the aggregate level of the codes of both groups of countries has been found.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis excludes five (prospective) European Union members. The analysis does not provide a comprehensive overview of domestic determinants of why codes of individual countries diverge from the European Union communication. Future research should systematically explore whether and to what extent domestic forces are indeed determining the contents of codes and, if so, which country‐specific forces have an impact on establishing code contents.Originality/valueThis paper is the first comprehensive attempt to analyse the contents of corporate governance codes. Such an analysis is important to understand the underlying forces that shape the diffusion of codes and their contents.
Changing institutional environment and business élites in Turkey
Authors: Yamak Sibel 
Published: October 2006

PurposeHistorical and institutional influences on the backgrounds of business élites have received little attention despite the fact that they are closely related to corporate governance issues. The present study aims to examine the issue of continuity and change in the characteristics of the business élite over a period of some 60 years between 1923 and 1980 in Turkey, a late‐industrializing country, where significant changes have taken place in the politico‐economic environment of business and the context of industrial development has evolved from étatisme towards family‐dominated big business.Design/methodology/approachThis paper attempts to substantiate the arguments on the institutional roots of business élite characteristics by drawing upon all previous studies conducted on Turkish business élites for the period 1923‐1980. For comparative purposes the study also makes reference to other élite groups in the country, namely, managers of state economic enterprise and upper echelons in the state bureaucracy.FindingsContinuity and change in business élites seem to be closely related to alterations in the politico‐economic environment. For the “managerial” class, while business experience might have been most important in the early years of the republic, high‐level education has clearly been a pre‐condition in the latter period. High education level and political capital of “bureaucrat‐managers” may have eased one‐way flow of professionals from state to private sector, especially following the “ruralizing elections” in this state‐dependent context.Originality/valueThis paper thus especially aims to unravel the genesis and development of business professionals, a subgroup of business élites who have been neglected so far in Turkish management literature.
From imitation to creation: the critical yet uncertain transition for Chinese firms
Authors: Xie Wei , White Steven 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to consolidate prior research from policy and management domains to identify stages in China's technological learning within the imitation paradigm during 1949‐2001, focusing on changes in the government's strategic priorities and policies and the nature, mode and sources of technological learning, then to contrast the firm and institutional features that have emerged under the imitation paradigm with those defining the emerging creation paradigm. The analysis leads to clear implications for both policy and management for the Chinese firms to make this transition and compete in higher value‐added global industries.Design/methodology/approachAn overview and conceptual paper based on observations and literature review.FindingsThis paper derives a parsimonious set of four dimensions to demarcate five stages in the evolution of China's technological learning: the government's strategic priority, nature of technology, the mode and the source of learning. It identifies six factors acting as significant impediments to Chinese firms' transition from imitation to creation.Originality/valueIn the first place, this paper provides managerial implications which are of great interest to Chinese practicing managers to manage their firms' transition from imitation to creation; second, the policy imperatives highlighted by this paper will help Chinese policymakers to design appropriate incentive mechanisms to enable Chinese firms to build up their competitiveness within the creation paradigm and thereby become global competitors. Meanwhile, this paper provides a systematic analysis on the evolution of China's technology development. This five stage‐based framework will help practicing managers in China understand whether, which and when Chinese firms can make the transition necessary to compete based on the creation of proprietary resources and capabilities.
Potential for international business consultancies in wastewater treatment in China
Authors: Wei Li , Wilkinson Suzanne 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the business potential for international consultancies in wastewater treatment in China using a New Zealand consultancy as an example. China's water shortage, and the requirement for innovative solutions, provides the potential for New Zealand, and other international, engineering consultancies to do business in wastewater treatment in China.Design/methodology/approachA detailed case study was undertaken on a New Zealand company with experience of business in China. The company's key strategic factors were identified – its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats that the company faces in China.FindingsBased on the analysis of the case study company, a series of recommendations have been suggested for both the company's further sustainable development, and for other New Zealand and international consultancies that plan to gain access into the Chinese market. The results and discussion suggest that there are some main requirements for companies to successfully compete in the Chinese market such as developing close relationships with clients, local construction companies and design institutes; providing an effective onsite project team; having effective design capability; introducing project management skills and the use of a “one stop shop” approach to business.Practical implicationsThe paper makes recommendations on how other companies might be able to compete in the Chinese market in the wastewater industry. Specifically, comments are made on developing long‐term relationships, making use of Chinese experience and developing a bi‐lingual capability.Originality/valueThere are potential opportunities for New Zealand and international companies to compete in China in the wastewater treatment field. The lessons learned from this research show what possible threats they will face but also highlight the opportunities.
Combined clear and granular cell leiomyoma of soft tissue: evidence of transformation to a histiocytic phenotype
Authors: Dobashi Y , Iwabuchi K , Nakahata J , Yanagimoto K , Kameya T 
Published: October 2006

AimsWe present an unusual case of leiomyoma with a clear and granular cell pattern in which there was immunohistochemical evidence of transformation to a histiocytic phenotype.Methods and resultsA 64‐year‐old man presented with mild scrotal swelling and pain. A local excision was performed after the clinical diagnosis of epidermal inclusion cyst. In the pathological specimen, another tumour nodule was identified which was composed predominantly of clear cells, with an occasional mixture of granular cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positive staining for vimentin, lysozyme, CD68 and HAM56, but complete negativity for desmin, α‐smooth muscle actin, HHF35, S100 protein, neurone‐specific enolase and CD34. Ultrastructural study revealed dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, glycogen granules, abundant vacuolar structures and also thin microfilaments with subplasmalemmal dense bodies.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we have interpreted it to be a rare case of leiomyoma with extensive clear cell and granular cell degeneration (combined clear and granular cell leiomyoma). This complete transformation of the immunohistochemical profile into the histiocytic phenotype has not been previously described in the literature.