bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A strategic service quality approach using analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Chua Chow Clare , Luk Peter 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to develop a technique that considers competition using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework to measure service quality.Design/methodology/approachThe present study adapted the AHP methodology to the measurement of service quality, involving five steps – referred to as “analytical hierarchy process for service quality” (“AHP‐SQ”). Subsequently, the authors demonstrate how the technique can be applied to the fast‐food restaurants.FindingsThe AHP‐SQ approach described in this study thus assists management to devise and maintain a relevant, competitive plan for ongoing improvements in service quality. Specifically, such analysis enables the following questions to be addressed: “How does the firm perform in terms of service quality in relation to its competitors?”; “Given the firm's resources, which service initiatives will enhance its service competitiveness?”; “Which service areas require immediate improvement?”; “How should the firm's service improvement be prioritized?”, and “What opportunities exist for service improvement in relation to the competition?”Research limitations/implicationsIt would be important to consider the “right” dimensions of service quality that are relevant to the respective industry. It would also be essential to collect responses from customers who have utilized the services of the focal firm as well as its competitors in order to have an accurate opinion.Practical implicationsThe framework proposed here allows management to address two main issues pertaining to its competitive advantage: establishing its performance ranking in the marketplace; and identifying the service elements that most require improvement.Originality/valueThe paper develops a cohesive approach to help managers identify which reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, responsiveness (RATER) service dimensions require attention to create a sustainable competitive advantage. It offers a “bigger picture” in service‐quality management.
Role of microfinance in disaster mitigation
Authors: Anand Kumar T.S. , Newport Jeyanth K. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeIn the context of the Indian subcontinent, aims to examine the suitability of using microfinance for natural disaster risk reduction at the household and community level, and also of delivering it in the wake of a natural disaster.Design/methodology/approachExplains microfinance strategies comprising: diversifying income source; designing new loan products; risk management; sustainability of microfinance institutions post‐disaster; liquidity management post‐disaster, etc.FindingsStates that microfinance should be recognized as one of a series of measures within a disaster risk management strategy. Along with eco‐friendly farming it can help overcome poverty in developing countries.Originality/valueProbably the first real attempt to explore the importance of microfinance interventions in natural disasters both at the personal level and generally.
A decision model for involvement in vulnerability reduction
Authors: Hellström Tomas 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo develop a decision model supporting employee involvement in industrial vulnerability reduction.Design/methodology/approachA synthesis review of some of the relevant extant literature on technological/industrial vulnerability, and their application within a normative decision‐making model (i.e. the “Vroom‐Yetton model”).FindingsThe insights on vulnerability drawn from the literature are highly amenable to a systematic decision‐making model for employee involvement. Various aspects of vulnerability, specifically with regard to substantial, social and temporal dimensions may be included in such a model.Research limitations/implicationsNew insights about the context‐dependent aspects of vulnerability are offered by considering these within a contingency decision model. This suggests that vulnerability categories are not absolute, but have to be assessed in relation to a specific decision‐making framework.Practical implicationsThe developed model provides a way of weighting various dimensions of vulnerability and making more appropriate decisions regarding leadership style in a range of circumstances.Originality/valueWhile decision models exist for assessing risk in organizations, no contingency model for employee involvement in vulnerability assessment has been presented to date.
A mitigation strategy for the natural disaster of poverty in Bangladesh
Authors: Mclean S.N. , Moore D.R. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to bring attention to the problems faced by rural Bangladeshis. Several objectives for the paper were identified. First, to illustrate that Bangladeshis suffer from acute levels of poverty, a lack of clean drinking water and regular flooding and cyclonic conditions. Second, to establish the failure of western “handout” aid provision to address these problems. Third, to evidence the possibilities for the production of more durable building materials utilising regionally available waste materials and proven solar technologies. Finally, to present strategies in which solar technologies could contribute to the reduction of poverty and improvements in health standards.Design/methodology/approachThe ongoing development and testing of the innovative solar technology concepts reported in the paper were informed by a literature review covering solar cookers and solar kilns. The methodology and detail of the testing of that solar technology is currently considered commercially sensitive. With regard to the poverty alleviation strategies proposed within the paper, their development was underpinned by a methodology combining a thorough review of the relevant literature with input from practitioners in Bangladesh.FindingsUtilising aid moneys for the establishment of solar technology‐based small‐scale production of vernacular building materials could address poverty by affording access to wealth‐generating activities in the sale of goods and clean drinking water from rainwater harvesting. Additionally, such activities would enable Bangladeshi society to be better able to withstand and then recover from natural disasters, by possessing more resistant shelters, and being more economically resilient.Research limitations/implicationsThe experimental component of the research is ongoing and considered commercially sensitive. No limitations have thus far been identified within this component. The implications of the research regarding solar technologies are potentially considerable in that the innovative approach under examination, if underpinned by positive results, represents a new area of activity and has both social and technical implications.Practical implicationsCurrent aid is not significantly alleviating the problems experienced by Bangladeshis resulting from poverty, arsenic contamination of deep water aquifers and regular flooding. The technology and strategies proposed address the fact that the current vernacular shelters provide little resistance to flooding, and are unsuitable for rainwater harvesting, whilst also allowing participation in wealth‐generating activities. Such a combination has the potential to reverse the trend for Bangladesh to increasingly rely on “hand‐out” aid.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is largely in the area of bringing new possibilities to the attention of the research and practitioner communities dealing with both solar technologies and developing world poverty alleviation.
How the balanced scorecard complements the McKinsey 7‐S model
Authors: Kaplan Robert S. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis article shows how the McKinsey 7‐S model and the balanced scorecard (BSC) model complement each other.Design/methodology/approachThe developer of the widely used BSC model analyzes and compares the features and functions of the two models.FindingsOne can view the BSC as the contemporary manifestation of the 7‐S model, helping to explain its popularity as a practical and effective tool for aligning all the organizational variables and processes that lead to successful strategy execution.Research limitations/implicationsThere is no data on the financial impact of the BSC mdel on the companies that have adopted it.Practical implicationsThe author suggests that the BSC is not only fully consistent with the 7‐S framework, but can also enhance it in use.Originality/valueThis the first article to compare the characteristics and functionality of the McKinsey 7‐S model and the BSC model.
Philosophies in entrepreneurship: a focus on economic theories
Authors: Pittaway Luke 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo analyse the philosophies underlying economic studies in entrepreneurship and to explain how they contribute to the understanding of entrepreneurial behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA range of historical studies is reviewed that examine entrepreneurship from an economic perspective. A framework of social science research paradigms is used to categorise these approaches according to their philosophical assumptions.FindingsThe paper finds that certain philosophies can harm the development of theory and that study using a wider range could help improve the value of research.Originality/valueThis paper fills an identified gap in philosophical discussions by exploring the economic theories. In doing so, it provides a structured approach to understanding some of the differences that underlie economic policy supporting the promotion of enterprise.
Understanding the processes that facilitate and hinder efforts to advance women in organizations
Authors: Kottke Janet L. , Agars Mark D. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to look at the way women in Western industrialized countries have made significant career advancements but barriers remain which necessitate organizational intervention. A number of initiatives that have commonly been introduced to help women in their career development have produced only modest gains in women's advancement.Design/methodology/approachArgues that four basic underlying processes – social cognitions, justice, threat, and utility – must be considered and managed as part of the development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives targeting women's career advancement, if such initiatives are to have their desired impact. These underlying processes and their implications are presented with recommendations for organizational leaders and human resource professionals.FindingsThe goal of women's advancement is both noble and vital to long‐term organizational success, and initiatives to further the cause are needed. These goals are not, however, without their obstacles. By understanding how social cognitions, perceptions of fairness, threat, and utility can individually and collectively impact the success or failure of programs to advance women, organizational leaders can develop and implement informed practices that are embraced by all members of the organization and which, consequently, further the advancement of all organizational members.Originality/valueThe article focuses on the key underlying processes that are believed to be critical for understanding the barriers to women's career advancement, but it is necessary to note that, as with any organizational initiative, there are other organizational factors that must be considered, such as top management support, and the history of the organization with regard to gender.
Factors related to the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women
Authors: Armstrong‐Stassen Marjorie , Cameron Sheila 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe labour force participation of older women has increased substantially in Canada. This study aims to examine the factors that are important to the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women.Design/methodology/approachManagerial and professional women aged 50 and above completed a questionnaire assessing their career satisfaction, individual characteristics and organization‐related factors.FindingsFor managerial women, the significant predictors of career satisfaction were perceived as organizational support, job content plateauing, and health status. For professional women, the significant predictors of career satisfaction were perceived efforts by their organization to retain its older managerial and professional employees and job content plateauing.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a small sample and the respondents were primarily employed in the public sector. Further research is needed using larger samples and a better representation from the private sector. Researchers also need to identify other factors that influence the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women.Practical implicationsThe career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women is heightened when they are challenged by their job and have an opportunity to learn and grow in their job. Beyond this, enhancing the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women will require different approaches tailored specifically to each group.Originality/valueVery little is known about the career‐related issues that are of special concern to older managerial and professional women. This study provides some insight into the differences between older managerial and professional women and the factors that contribute to their career satisfaction.
Generation X women in high technology
Authors: Feyerherm Ann , Vick Yvonne H. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeSeeks to undertake research of Generation X women in high technology in order to determine what type of corporate environment would support their needs for professional success, personal fulfillment, and sustain longer‐term employment.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study looked at high‐potential Generation X women (born between 1965‐1980) within the high‐technology industry and explored their relationship with work which means how they interact with bosses, peers, subordinates, and the corporate culture.FindingsThe study found that, for Generation X women, personal fulfillment was intrinsically connected to professional success, and that they wanted support from their companies in terms of mentors for guidance and development, opportunities to excel, recognition for efforts, relationships, and flexibility to achieve work/life balance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size was small and, while the research applies to the high‐technology industry, care would need to be taken in wholesale application to all industries. The way Generation X women perceive the importance of work/life balance carries implications for corporations in terms of training, development, promotional practices and corporate culture.Originality/valueIf companies can provide a cultural environment to support attainment of professional success and personal fulfillment as defined by these women, it may provide a link to longer‐term employment, reduced employee turnover, and improved bottom line corporate performance.
Advancing the careers of women with children
Authors: Metz Isabel 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis study aims to assess whether differences exist in the barriers reported by, and in the person‐ and situation‐centred factors related to the managerial advancement of, women with and without children. The study also seeks to examine whether having children influences women's advancement, by affecting person‐situation factors such as training and development or work hours.Design/methodology/approachA confidential, voluntary survey was mailed to 1,183 female staff who held from non‐manager to executive positions in the banking industry. The response rate was 65.23 per cent or 848 respondents, of whom 209 (24.6 per cent) had children and 639 (75.4 per cent) did not.FindingsThe survey results indicate that, although the links and barriers to the advancement of mothers and non‐mothers are similar, important differences exist. Specifically, internal networks are negatively related to the advancement of women with children, but unrelated to the advancement of women without children. In addition, having children weakens the relationship between work hours and managerial advancement.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a cross‐sectional study that included women currently in the workforce. Future research needs to include women who have left their organisations and needs to examine causal effects. The interaction of marital status and children should also be examined in future research, because marital status may not be a barrier to advancement for women but being a single mother might be.Originality/valueThe results provide some support for the belief that mothers experience additional barriers to advancement when compared with women without children.
Senior women managers’ transition to entrepreneurship
Authors: Terjesen Siri 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the phenomenon of senior women managers leaving corporate organisations to start their own companies. Women's advancement to senior management roles is facilitated by the acquisition of human capital and social capital. Female ex‐corporate managers leverage personal accumulations of knowledge, skills, relationships and networks when starting and growing new ventures. A conceptual framework of “embedded career capital” accrued during past experiences and transferable to the individuals’ new entrepreneurial ventures is put forward.Design/methodology/approachStructured, in‐depth interviews with ten female entrepreneurs who recently left senior management positions in large UK corporations to start their own ventures support a spectrum from embedded career capital which is transferable and value‐creating to embodied career capital consisting of immobile, non‐rent‐generating accumulations.FindingsSenior women managers leverage “embedded career capital”, human capital and social capital accumulated from past experiences, when founding and growing their own businesses. Embedded career capital is mobile and value‐generating to the women's new start‐ups. In contrast, embodied capital is not capable of generating rents outside the arena in which it was developed and not transferable to the new venture.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory study is based on ten interviews, and reveals practical implications for both senior women managers eager to advance their careers as entrepreneurs and companies keen to retain these women.Originality/valueThe results provide support for the new concept of embedded career capital. This paper is one of the first to examine how women account for the use of human capital and social capital in the transition from corporate management to own ventures.
Development of measures of individual leadership for health promotion
Authors: Anderson Donna , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Raine Kim , Barrett Linda 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis purpose of this research was to develop and establish psychometric properties of scales measuring individual leadership for health promotion.Design/methodology/approachScales to measure leadership in health promotion were drafted based on capacity assessment instruments developed by other provinces involved in the Canadian Heart Health Initiative (CHHI), and on the literature. Content validity was established through a series of focus groups and expert opinion appraisals and pilot testing. Psychometric analyses provided empirical evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the leadership scales in the baseline survey (n=144) of the Alberta Heart Health Project.FindingsPrincipal component analysis verified the construct of the leadership scales of personal work‐related practices and satisfaction with work‐related practices. Each of the theoretically a priori determined scales factored into two scales each for a total of four final scales. Scale alpha coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) ranged between 0.71 and 0.78, thus establishing good scale internal consistencies.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include the relatively small sample size used in determining psychometric properties. In addition, further qualitative work would enhance understanding of the complexity of leadership in health organizations. These measures can be used by both researchers and practitioners for the assessment leadership for health promotion and to tailor interventions to increase leadership for health promotion in health organizations.Originality/valueEstablishing the psychometric properties and quality of leadership measures is an innovative step toward achieving capacity assessment instruments which facilitate evaluation of key relationships in developing health sector capacity for health promotion.
Cross‐industry differences in SME financing behaviour
Authors: Johnsen Pal C. , McMahon Richard G.P. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to ascertain the extent to which industry appears to influence the financing behaviour of a sample of Australian small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe research employs data for several thousand SMEs taken from the Australian federal government's Business Longitudinal Survey undertaken over four financial years from 1994‐1995 to 1997‐1998. The principal analytical technique employed is logistic regression modelling with various financial structure measures as dependent variables, and with industry as the independent variable of central interest.FindingsThe research findings reported in the paper provide substantial empirical evidence that cross‐industry differences in financing behaviour do exist even after controlling for other relevant influences on SME financing choices such as enterprise size, business age, profitability, growth, asset structure and risk. The key finding is that industry does not simply proxy for one or more of these other factors, but is an important influence in its own right.Research limitations/implicationsThere are evidently effects arising from the fundamental nature of industries that require better understanding before a reliable prescriptive position on SME financing can be reached. What these effects are cannot really be ascertained using the research data and methods employed in this study, which give a relatively superficial perspective on the matter. A need for more in‐depth qualitative investigation is indicated.Originality/valueThe main implication of this research for scholars and policy‐makers concerned with SMEs is clearly the need to regard industry as an important independent influence on financing behaviour.