bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does online participation matter? A case study of a hybrid theatre arts course
Authors: Marcus Sara 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo examine whether students have higher retention rates of material when they participate in online quizzes or online alternative student‐centered assignments on the material presented in the F2F class.Design/methodology/approachReviews the literature; and analyzes data from the implementation of both types of assessment for the online sessions of the course (student‐centered and faculty‐centered) as correlated with mid‐term and final examination scores.FindingsA significant difference was found on both mid‐term and final examination scores by participants and non‐participants in the assessments. A significant difference was not found in the participation levels in the various assessment types. In addition, a minimal relationship was found between the assessment type and the act of participating in the assessment. The assessment type was not found to have a significant effect, though the participation in the assessment type did have an effect.Research limitations/implicationsOnly two terms' worth of students, in one course, were examined. The assessments were not analyzed for equivalence in their coverage of the materials. Further research is needed on types of activities and level of participation, types of participation and level of learning, and participation scale grade rather than a yes/no method, are correlated.Practical implicationsProvides a very useful source of information, guidance, and support for instructors considering the use of online assessments in their hybrid courses.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need in the usage of alternative assessments and offers practical help to faculty teaching a theatre arts hybrid class.
Online learning design that fosters student support, self‐regulation, and retention
Authors: Fisher Mercedes , Baird Derek E. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeInvestigating the social structure in online courses helps in designing for and facilitating student support and retention. Aims to provide data showing how course design and use of social software technologies provided social and collaborative learning opportunities for online students.Design/methodology/approachA study of computer‐mediated groups that utilized social media technologies and a web‐based collaborative model in an online program. Participants were put into groups and observed as they constructed knowledge using both online dialogue (synchronous and asynchronous) and social media technologies as tools to support their learning.FindingsThe integration of web‐based learning communities and collaborative group assignments into the course design has a positive influence on student retention in online courses.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to the online student population at Pepperdine University, and did not include data or research from similar online programs at other universities. Future research should include data collected from students outside the USA to find out what role cultural mores, attitudes, and gender play.Practical implicationsProvides curriculum design strategies that foster community, utilize social/ participatory media, and support online student learning and retention through effective course design.Originality/valueCurrent research on distance learning curriculum has focused on the instructor's perspective. It is felt that research from the student's perspective can also yield some valuable insights for online course design.
ELCAT: an e‐learning content adaptation toolkit
Authors: Clements Iain , Xu Zhijie 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an e‐learning content adaptation toolkit – ELCAT – that helps to achieve the objectives of the KTP project No. 3509.Design/methodology/approachThe chosen methodology is absolutely practical. The tool was put into motion and results were observed as university and the collaborating company members started using it and getting results out of it.FindingsThe methodology and the practical approach developed in the research facilitate e‐learning practices and the developed software enables the utilisation of legacy e‐learning material on the internet and world wide web. It also helps to break the resistance to change and the fears stemming from new technologies when a useful tool taught with the idea of what users really need is given to users.Research limitations/implicationsAs usual in all case studies, the results of this research are limited by the methodology, since results have to be reviewed carefully before applying them to other tools or universities.Practical implicationsIt is absolutely fundamental to take users' needs into account and implementation of technology tools should be properly planned across time.Originality/valueThe paper presents an easy‐to‐use tool that allows university community members to carry out e‐administration processes in a very simple and easy manner.
Leadership in high‐performance teams: a model for superior team performance
Authors: Wing Linda S. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeAims to explore how high performing teams create exponential growth.Design/methodology/approachCharacteristics of the market within which the high‐performance team operated are described as accelerated change (high velocity) and knowledge creation (innovation and research). These characteristics more often than not describe characteristics of firms operating in the global enterprise system. The opinions and experiences expressed are articulated so that others who wish to emulate significant levels of performance have a roadmap to such success.FindingsConditions for success across a wide range of organizational principles, actions and philosophies are articulated and highlight the systems orientation of high performance. Organizations who wish for accelerated growth, resilience and change will be introduced to a series of techniques which, when applied, create understanding required for swift action in high velocity, global markets. The viewpoint is grounded in actual experience and the understanding of a leader who led through team leaders for superior outcomes. A model of leadership activities, actions, principles and philosophies required to gain this superior performance is shared.Practical implicationsThe article is particularly relevant to practicing leaders in knowledge industries characterized by transaction and innovation speed, as well as the accompanying change that often follows innovation. Application will also be highly relevant to those leaders who lead highly proficient knowledge workers, as the model creates understanding of the organizational conditions necessary to unleash the full potential of these employees.Originality/valuePractitioners will find the information in the article very useful in helping to focus on day to day operations and the relevant view things which create dynamic results.
Team building in small businesses owned by women
Authors: Cantzler Ingmari , Leijon Svante 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to see how women who run their own businesses create and hold together teams within their companies.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted and interviews were carried out with four female owners of small‐businesses. Interviews were also conducted with their employees and their customers. The field research resulted in a categorization of the four businesses we studied.FindingsOnly one of the companies succeeded in creating a genuine team, the category that we call the “friends”. It took them a long time to achieve, which is rarely mentioned in literature on this topic. Creating mutual concepts is a complicated process. The other categories are called “circle of acquaintances”, the “family” and the “colleagues”. The circle of acquaintances had not succeeded in creating a team amid the turbulence they work within, while the family is not prepared to take the time that is needed to create a team. A process has been started for the staff in the colleagues category aimed at creating a team once they have understood the importance of good internal relations.Practical implicationsIn practice it takes time to build team‐based working methods in small businesses. Employees require training but many small business owners don't think they have time for it.Originality/valueThe more collective methods that characterize the friends category are not normally the subject of research into small businesses where focus is usually on the owner of the company. The working methods at this company were more collective than usual and this is not commonly seen in research into this area.
Improving team decision‐making performance with collaborative modeling
Authors: Jeffery Arthur B. , Maes Jeanne D. , Bratton‐Jeffery Mary F. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis article aims to examine considerations and strategies for improving team performance in decision‐making by teaching teams to use collaborative modeling based on team mental models.Design/methodology/approachThe article describes the nature of shared mental models and collaborative modeling, the potential effects of collaborative modeling on team performance, and a perspective on communication imperatives that facilitate collaborative modeling. The articles builds upon this information to suggest five imperatives for teams to help them develop collaborative modeling skillsFindingsThe article offers strategies in the form of five imperatives for teams to observe in order to build skills in collaborative modeling and improve team performance by improving team members’ ability to effect collaborative modeling to accomplish team tasks and goals.Originality/valueResearch over the years in mental modeling and communication has created a powerful argument that effective communication and shared mental models improves team performance. However there is little about application of this concept in the literature. The next step for researchers is to develop application models for collaborative modeling and test those models through empirical research. This paper offers an application model based on imperatives to be observed by decision‐making teams in order to facilitate the creation of shared mental models of team tasks and processes.
The role of concrescent conversation in the performing stage of work groups
Authors: Haki Akan Obasi 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo provide an alternative paradigm to traditional group development research in understanding how group performance is constructed through conversation by its members.Design/methodology/approachIn this qualitative field study, empirical data was collected on the performing stage of two work groups. Searle's speech act categories were used to analyze the conversation of group members. Using grounded theory a model is inductively constructed by examining the individual communication pieces (i.e. speech acts) and putting those pieces back together into a coherent frame.FindingsThis study proposes that during the performing stage of work group talk, a unique type of describable verbal behavior, termed concrescent conversation, is present which enables group member's ability to “contribute to task success” – being a more productive group.Practical implicationsHow productive groups are is a highly relevant issue to managers in complex organizations. In the new workplace, groups are the primary work unit used to achieve business goals. Understanding how groups develop and how to improve their performance is of primary interest to managers and leaders of successful organizations.Originality/valueWhat is required to make groups productive? Taking a social constructionist's perspective to this question means acknowledging the social constructionist's view that conversation helps produce reality and that group productivity is a communication‐driven phenomenon. The study explores conversation's role in one phase of Tuckman's group development model – the performing stage. The goal is to extend the understanding of group performance and to be better able to create and sustain productive groups
ABC/ABM – activity‐based costing and activity‐based management
Authors: Hughes Andrew 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThere is the potential to improve the competitive performance of small to medium‐sized companies (SMEs) particularly in the UK clothing and textile industry, a sector of the economy that has had little exposure to activity‐based costing and activity‐based management (ABC/ABM).Design/methodology/approachA review of the current literature relating to ABC/ABM was made, with reference to its poor take up amongst SMEs and those in the clothing and textile manufacturing sector particularly. A case study was undertaken to test the theories and assumptions in the context of SMEs in the clothing and textile industry.FindingsThe case study showed that there are opportunities to improve the profitability of SMEs if the findings were transposed to other similar businesses willing to invest the time and effort into setting up an ABC/ABM system.Research limitations/implicationsThere is the opportunity for further research in other areas of business activity in the fashion industry.Practical implicationsThis is a practical application of a financial management tool that would be useful to academia, managers in SMEs in the clothing and textile industry, government planners looking for ways to increase profitability for UK firms.Originality/valueThe paper takes an existing well‐known financial tool and examines its use in an area of the economy with little or no previous exposure to its benefits.
Drivers of new product success in the Italian sport shoe cluster of Montebelluna
Authors: Ciappei Cristiano , Simoni Christian 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this empirical research is to identify the key success factors engrained in the new product development (NPD) practices of companies that belong to the Italian sport shoe cluster of Montebelluna.Design/methodology/approachStatistical analyses were undertaken on data collected through a questionnaire submitted to a conveniently selected group of the population of firms localized in Montebelluna. A series of one‐way ANOVAs was run on the NPD performance metric. We then measured the Pearson correlation between the degree of new product success and the factors that were found to be statistically significant. We converted the response variable into a dummy and then we tested the hypotheses with the normalized Cramer's V‐square to discriminate between the best performers and the rest. Finally, we performed a regression analysis to build a model that explains a large part of the variation in new product success.FindingsThree macro factors have a positive influence on new product success: extended team approach (also cross‐company); customer orientation; and the use of advanced ICTs for new product development.Research limitations/implicationsFurther investigation is needed on the role of networking with suppliers in new product development.Practical implicationsSport shoe manufacturers should: proactively develop close relationships with their customers aimed at NPD; integrate lead users in the NPD process; and implement strategies to overcome their inhibition from investing in advanced ICTs for NPD.Originality/valueSome factors that have been found as being important drivers of new product success in other researches do not seem to play a relevant role in the companies we analyzed. The study highlights the strategic role of lead users in contributing to the enhanced performance of successful companies.
Consumer shopping value for retail brands
Authors: Carpenter Jason M. , Moore Marguerite , Fairhurst Ann E. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo examine whether consumers value the in‐store experience that retailers provide as part of the store as brand concept.Design/methodology/approachA sample of young adult consumers (N=188) was surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Statistical techniques (MANOVA, post hoc tests) were used to evaluate the data.FindingsStatistical models indicate that consumers expect both hedonic and utilitarian value to be present when shopping in the store as brand context.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are useful because they confirm significant differences in consumer perceptions of hedonic shopping value across several retail brands. Therefore, customers appear to recognize the uniqueness among the in‐store experience that retailers are working hard to achieve. This delivery of value, then, seems to be an effective source of differentiation.Practical implicationsThe results of this study indicate that retailers using a “store as the brand” strategy should continue to invest in creating a specific, unique shopping experience for their target customer. However, retailers should always be mindful that regardless of the excitement and fun delivered in the shopping experience, consumers appear to expect utility including the right merchandise, in the right place, at the right time, and at the right price.Originality/valueThis paper undertakes an empirical examination of consumer value for the broader concept of the retail brand (apparel) that encompasses the entire consumer shopping experience associated with the context.
Instrument development and evaluation for measuring USA apparel product design attributes
Authors: Miller Nancy J. , Campbell J.R. , Littrell Mary A. , Travnicek Daryl 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe research goal is to develop, analyze, and evaluate an instrument measuring perceptions and preferences of garment design characteristics, and to evaluate interpretability of results for ease of use by scientists and industry practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThis study focused on female garment attributes that were culturally inspired by Indonesia. A sample of 115 US college‐age females was targeted to test 18 garments varying in attributes of three styles, three fabric prints, and two fabric colorways. Attributes were used as stimuli in generating evaluations of garment similarities and acceptance.FindingsStimuli and questions performed well in collecting data, and convergence validity for the instrument was demonstrated through hierarchical cluster analyses and multidimensional scaling analysis. Findings from this initial testing determined that consumers can differentiate similarity and evaluate levels of acceptance for garment style, fabric print, and color.Research limitations/implicationsThe small segment of US consumers involved in this initial exploration and the need for further study is acknowledged. Research‐generated analytic information summarizing targeted consumers' responses can be used in industry and in future product development research.Practical implicationsFindings, generated from consumer input, provide diagnostic information for the product development process including market positioning strategy decisions for enhanced product adoption. Understanding which product attributes should remain similar to existing or competing products and which attributes can uniquely deviate from those currently accepted in the consumer culture is also clarified.Originality/valueResearch instruments are needed that advance measurement of consumer responses in evaluating apparel design characteristics for national or international product development and market positioning.
A qualitative study of micromarketing merchandising in the US apparel retail industry
Authors: Halepete Jaya , Hathcote Jan , Peters Cara 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo examine the variables that influence micromarketing merchandising in the apparel industry in order to help new retailer understand the importance of micromarketing merchandising.Design/methodology/approachA model was developed showing the different variables that influenced micromarketing merchandising. General merchandising managers of 20 US‐based apparel retail chains were interviewed using a questionnaire developed after analyzing the available literature. A qualitative method of data analysis was conducted and the model was revised based on the findings of the research.FindingsA qualitative analysis of the transcribed interviews indicated that assortment, demographics, pricing and customer loyalty were the primary variables that effected micromarketing merchandising in the apparel retail industry. The sub‐variables in the study included lifestyle, ethnicity, store size and location, and customer service.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to US‐based apparel retailers. Future research could be directed towards in‐depth quantitative analysis of each variable influencing micromarketing merchandising.Practical implicationsThe results of this study could be used by managers of retail chains to understand the various variables that need to be considered while micromarketing merchandising for their store. Based on the area the store is located in, the importance of each variable can be adjusted to best suit specific stores.Originality/valueUnderstanding the importance of micromarketing merchandising can help new retailers study their consumers based on the important dimensions reported in this research and buy the right product for their target consumers.
Ethnicity and consumer choice
Authors: Rajagopalan Ramya , Heitmeyer Jeanne 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explain the level of involvement of Asian‐Indian consumers residing in the US when purchasing Indian ethnic apparel and contemporary American clothing at different levels of acculturation.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered by a questionnaire administered to 254 Asian‐Indian consumers from the southeastern United States.FindingsLow levels of acculturation among Asian‐Indians did result in a higher level of involvement in Indian ethnic apparel. Consumers who were moderately acculturated to western culture were less involved in Indian ethnic apparel but became increasingly involved as they became more acculturated to the US culture. In conclusion, Asian‐Indians, who were new to the US, may try to identify with the new culture leading to a decline in involvement with Indian ethnic apparel. As these consumers became more comfortable in their new environment they may have felt a need to connect with their original culture, and this could have led to a renewed interest in Indian ethnic apparel.Originality/valueThis study fulfills a need for literature on how ethnic groups residing in a foreign land view products indigenous to their original culture across the stages of acculturation. Understanding consumer interests of targeted market segments and their impact on the overall population may benefit fashion marketers.