bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building synergies between operations culture, operational routines, and supplier monitoring: implications for buyer performance
Authors: Shafiq Asad , Johnson P. Fraser , Klassen Robert D. 
Published: April 2022

PurposePressured by various stakeholder groups to improve the sustainability performance of their emerging economy suppliers, multinational firms continue to expand their supplier monitoring. Leveraging the strategy literature on alliances and the buyer-supplier relationship management literature, the authors propose that a buyer firm's efforts to proactively develop cultural sensitivity and operations cognizance to understand the operational culture and routines of its suppliers can ameliorate some shortcomings of supplier monitoring, thereby improving the performance of the buyer firm.Design/methodology/approachUsing primary survey data from a sample of US manufacturing firms, combined with secondary data of supplier monitoring and financial performance, this research examines the relationship between supplier monitoring, cultural sensitivity, operations cognizance, and buyer firm performance.FindingsSupplier monitoring was associated with positive but diminishing returns for financial and sustainability performance for the buyer. Second, increasing cultural sensitivity and operations cognizance for suppliers in emerging economies were associated with improved buyer performance. Finally, the synergistic use of supplier monitoring and operations cognizance was associated with improved buyer firm financial performance.Originality/valueWhile the buyer-supplier relationship literature has mainly treated organizational differences between dyadic supply chain partners as exogenous to the context in which their relationship evolves, the authors posit that buyer firms' efforts to understand such differences can affect the value of buyer-directed interactions, such as supplier monitoring. This research adds to the theoretical understanding of the process of developing relational mechanisms with emerging economy suppliers. In particular, efforts of buyer firms to better understand the operational culture and routines of their suppliers can complement monitoring and are associated with a positive impact on performance.
Regional well-being in Romania: assessment after a decade of EU accession
Authors: Lazar Dorina , Litan Cristian Marius 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to study through a comprehensive set of socioeconomic indicators the regional level of well-being achieved in Romania, and monitor the improvements and disparities in well-being after a decade of accession to the European Union.Design/methodology/approachA dashboard of 20 socioeconomic indicators for measuring nine dimensions of well-being for Romanian counties is proposed. Using the Adjusted Mazziotta-Pareto method are built composite indicators, which allow us to assess the trend of overall welfare scores for each county. The data are collected at the county level, for 42 counties, and each year from 2006 to 2017, from administrative sources.FindingsThe overall well-being index has an increasing trend for all counties, but the growth rate varies from one county to another. The economic factors, geographic location and share of the urban population matter. For most counties, the evolution of well-being scores is below that recorded at the country level. Romania has registered significant improvements in health, housing, income and access to public utilities dimensions. The counties are ranked by level of well-being. Some empirical measures suggest a slight tendency of socioeconomic disparities to increase over time.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to fill some gaps in measuring the level and disparities of welfare in a fast-growing emerging economy. The Romanian regional context is to a lesser extent explored in a multidimensional approach, from spatial and temporal points of view.
Framing the strategic R&D paradigm shift in Big Pharma: a content analysis of pharmaceutical annual reports
Authors: Schramm Mary E. , Place Katie R. , Laskin Alexander V. 
Published: April 2022

PurposeBetween 1985 and 2000, the six largest US pharmaceutical firms entered a very active period of partnerships with other pharmaceutical firms to expand their knowledge of biotechnology-based research and development (R&D) frameworks and to bolster the growth of their drug portfolios. The purpose of this study is to examine the annual reports published by these companies for evidence of strategic framing of these partnerships.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis method was most appropriate for this study, as it allows for analysis of a large amount of information and accurate analysis over time. Ninety-six annual reports from the six major US pharmaceutical firms (Abbott, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Johnson and Johnson, Merck, and Pfizer) were coded. The final codebook included 18 categories derived from framing theory. After collection, the data were uploaded to SPSS for statistical analysis.FindingsResults indicate that mention of partnerships grew considerably in depth and length over time, but companies did not consistently employ frames to describe why or how they engaged in external partnerships.Originality/valueThis is the first study to assess mentions of pharmaceutical firms' external efforts to build their R&D programs and drug portfolios, from the intersecting perspectives of framing theory and the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, to illustrate how changes were communicated to shareholders during a dynamic period of change within the industry.
Symmetric or asymmetric: how is Nigeria's bilateral trade balance responding to oil price and exchange rate changes?
Authors: Ogbonna Oliver E. , Ichoku Hyacinth E. 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe experience of rising trade imbalance between Nigeria and its key trading partners in recent years motivated this study. Previous studies on this issue either ignored bilateral level or assumed that the effect of crude oil price and/or exchange rate changes on trade balance is symmetric. Consequently, this study investigates whether Nigeria's bilateral trade balance with Belgium, China, United Kingdom (UK) and USA is responding symmetrically or asymmetrically to changes in oil price and exchange rate.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used nonlinear autoregressive-distributed lag (NARDL) model that decomposed oil price and exchange rate into partial sum processes of positive and negative changes over the period 1999Q1–2019Q4.FindingsThe study finds that the effects of oil price hike and plunge asymmetrically influence Nigeria's trade balance with the UK and USA. Further evidence indicated that oil price plunge exerts greater influence than price hike in all the cases, except the UK in the long run. Furthermore, Nigeria's trade balance responds asymmetrically and significantly to changes in exchange rate with China in the long run and with China and the UK in the short run. Specifically, the depreciation effect is more prominent than appreciation.Originality/valueSignificant contributions to the existing literature in Nigeria include the recognition that the effects of oil price and exchange rate changes on trade are asymmetric and the disaggregation of trade into bilateral level to identify country-specific effect.
A two-stage solution approach for unequal area facility layout problem with bi-directional relaxed flexible bay structure
Authors: Hunagund Irappa Basappa , Pillai Madhusudanan , U.N. Kempaiah 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this article is to develop a bi-directional relaxed flexible bay structure (BRFBS) in the layout for the unequal area facility layout problems (UA-FLPs) and test the suitability of the proposed approach using literature data.

Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a two-stage solution approach for UA-FLPs to form BRFBS in the layout. The solution to UA-FLPs is carried out in discrete space. The proposed heuristic method optimises the layout plan for minimising the material handling cost (MHC), and also, it indirectly optimises the space utilisation by reducing the empty space in the layout. The first stage of layout design assumes that all facilities are equal in size and uses quadratic assignment problem (QAP) model. QAP is solved with a simulated annealing heuristic method. In the second stage, a heuristic method is proposed to find the optimum width for each bay and the dimension for facilities. The proposed heuristic method is tested with numerical data available in the literature. Results are compared with the results obtained by layout planning software, and with the simulated annealing algorithm for flexible bay structure (SA-FBS) heuristic procedure for continuous space UA-FLPs.

Findings
The proposed two-stage solution approach gives the BRFBS for the UA-FLPs. BRFBS helps to create proper aisle structure in the layout plan. The layout configuration and solution of the proposed method is better than the layout planning software solution and SA-FBS solution. The application of the proposed heuristic method to case data gave lesser MHC, better space utilisation and better aisle formation than the existing layout.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed approach has the limitation that it can be applied only to UA-FLPs solved in discrete space. When the UA-FLPs are solved in continuous space, then it is not possible to make application of this approach to form bi-directional relaxed flexible bays in the layout plan.

Practical implications
Most of the modern industries are automated, and they use material handling equipment (MHE) like automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Design of layout plans that help to create proper aisle structure for AGV’s in the layout plan is a challenging to the researchers. The BRFBS configuration is more suitable in the flexible manufacturing system where AGVs are used for material transportation.

Originality/value
This paper proposes a novel two-stage heuristic method for solving the UA-FLPs in discrete space. The proposed approach generates a BRFBS in the layout plan. The BRFBS helps to create a proper aisle structure suitable for better material handling operations. Hence, this type of layout helps in easy interaction of the MHE (e.g. AGVs) with the boundaries of the facilities touching the aisle.
Selecting the right location for sports facilities using analytical hierarchy process
Authors: Erturan-Ogut Esin Esra , Kula Ufuk 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
This study aims to adapt analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for choosing the optimal location for sport facilities. The location of a sports facility contributes significantly to its potential success or failure. Therefore, factors affecting such location-related decisions must be carefully studied and prioritized in a systematic fashion.

Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a seven-step framework which may be used to decide on a location from among several alternatives. Through an extensive literature review, this study first determines the factors affecting sports facility location selection and then applies AHP steps by asking several sports facility owners and managers to assess importance of the criteria.

Findings
This study determined the sport facility location selection factors as “ease of access,” “facility features,” “financial issues,” “neighborhood” and “market,” and further divided each factor into its subfactors. To illustrate the framework of using AHP as a tool to select the right location for sport facilities, we chose three candidate locations and scored them according to the calculated weight scores of the criteria, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each location.

Practical implications
This study provides several managerial implications that may guide sport facility investors in choosing the right location.

Social implications
This study presents a method to evaluate different factors for different actors of sport industry in a systematic way. Private investors can use the method for securing sufficient number of potential customers in a well-selected location. Government institutions and public policymakers can use the method, possibly with different sets of factors, to decide on the location of public sports facilities to maximize the number of visitors or to reach disadvantaged or underserved populations.

Originality/value
This framework of AHP method can help private and public investors and policymakers evaluate and make the optimal decision for choosing sports facility locations. This study contributes both to sport management theory and practice as well as to operation management literature. This study also refined the scattered factors in the literature of selecting a sport facility site in a more understandable and adaptable way.
Marketing communications in a time of change: mobility providers, safety and women during the interwar period in the UK and North America
Authors: Gladden Graham 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe interwar period was a time of technological and social change. This paper aims to understand how these changes impacted the marketing communication of mobility through the lenses of safety and of the changing place and role of women in society.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a review of over 2,000 posters together with visual and textual material from the contemporary specialist press and company brochures, magazine advertisements and promotional film.FindingsAs women’s place in society developed during the interwar period, they became travellers and decision makers in their own right. Companies responded to and influenced these changes by encouraging women to take opportunities previously beyond their reach. However, even within this context, women were seen to retain a priority for safety linked to their more traditional societal roles. This message was set within the context of a wider safety communication dependant on the maturity of the mobility technology. Established modes of transport took a connotative approach whilst the new technologies (cars and airlines) were far more explicit in their claims.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides an approach to understanding the impact of advertisers’ technologies (new or established) on the style and content of their marketing. As such it can be used in other areas besides those discussed in this paper: for example, in a comparison between traditional car engine technologies and emergent “green” alternatives.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first cross-modal comparison of marketing communications by companies representing the majority of key mobilities. Further, whilst there is considerable discussion on topics such as gender and motoring, other sectors (for example, women airline passengers) have been given scant research attention.
Post-COVID-19 ethics of people analytics
Authors: Bryce Vincent , McBride Neil Kenneth , Cunden Mayen 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of the ethical investigation of the emerging practice of people analytics (PA) within human resource (HR) management through charting the development of PA before during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is designed as a short review of the current thinking in the ethics of PA, a practical journey through the progression of PA across the pandemic and a theoretical exploration of PA through three lenses: virtue ethics, critical social theory and actor network theory.

Findings
The authors suggest that PA raises novel ethical issues in terms of personal impact, increased penetration into working and home lives and the punch delivered in terms of organisational and behavioural change.

Research limitations/implications
This study provides a short review of three theoretical approaches to PA. Detailed research and reflection is required to develop and extend an ethics of PA. While engagement with the ethics of PA requires gaining an understanding of the discipline, ideas and jargon of HR management, it is essential that ethicists engage with PA as HR departments take on greater influence and adopt executive roles.

Practical implications
PA is now at the top of the HR management agenda, but there is limited understanding of the technology, the ethics and the new responsibilities it brings for HR management. This paper raises the profile of an ethical agenda, which practitioners should engage with.

Social implications
The ethical consequences of PA have social implications as work practices change and hybrid working becomes prevalent. It has the potential to change the relationship between home and the workplace.

Originality/value
This paper provides a unique synthesis of theory and practice in a new area of ethical importance.
Motives and strategies of CEOs for stimulating sharing and application of knowledge in the care and support for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Kersten Marion , Taminiau Elsbeth , Weggeman Mathieu , Embregts Petri 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Within intellectual disability care organizations (IDCOs), it is vital that professionals share and apply knowledge to improve the quality of care for their service users. Given that chief executive officers (CEOs) play a pivotal role in enabling these processes, this paper aims to investigate both the underlying motives and strategies behind CEOs’ organizational knowledge leadership and their contribution to improving these knowledge processes.

Design/methodology/approach
In this exploratory qualitative study, 11 CEOs from IDCOs in the Netherlands who are actively involved in knowledge management within their organizations were interviewed. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings
CEOs’ motives for stimulating knowledge processes among professionals in IDCOs arise from the internal (e.g. the CEOs themselves) and external (e.g. policy) contexts. This study also identified four strategies adopted by CEOs to stimulate sharing and application of knowledge: providing organizational conditions for effective knowledge processes; focused attention on talent development; acknowledgment and deployment of knowledge holders; and knowledge-driven participation in collaborative partnerships. These strategies are used in combination and have been shown to reinforce one another.

Practical implications
An overview of strategies for stimulating knowledge processes is now available.

Originality/value
The results display the leadership of CEOs in knowledge strategies. Insights into their perceptions and values are provided while elaborating on their motives to take this role.
Facebook, Meta, the metaverse and libraries
Authors: Fernandez Peter 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
By understanding these trends, information professionals can better position themselves to help their patrons as the technology develops, as well as position their organizations for success in the world the metaverse will create.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper defines core concepts of the metaverse, including defining what it is, explaining the narratives surrounding it and exploring its implications for intellectual property and libraries.

Findings
The development of the metaverse is poised to change the parameters by which libraries work, with implications for information accessibility as well as possible technological barriers. The same economies of scale and disconnection that could potentially threaten libraries could also be an opportunity to develop new partnerships and frameworks for cooperation, if information professionals choose to help shape the metaverse instead of only react to it.

Originality/value
Understanding the range of possibilities for how the metaverse might develop helps to navigate the role libraries might play as it emerges.
Meta‐analysis of diazotrophic signatures across terrestrial ecosystems at the continental scale
Authors: Zhu Chen , Friman Ville‐Petri , Li Ling , Xu Qicheng , Guo Junjie , Guo Shiwei , Shen Qirong , Ling Ning 
Published: April 2022

SummaryBiological nitrogen fixation performed by diazotrophs forms a cornerstone of Earth's terrestrial ecosystem productivity. However, the composition, diversity and distribution of soil diazotrophs are poorly understood across different soil ecosystems. Furthermore, the biological potential of the key diazotroph species in relation to key environmental parameters is unknown. To address this, we used meta‐analysis approach to merge together 39 independent diazotroph amplicon sequencing (nifHgene) datasets consisting of 1988 independent soil samples. We then employed multiple statistical analyses and machine‐learning approaches to compare diazotroph community differences and indicator species between terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale. The distribution, composition and structure of diazotroph communities varied across seven different terrestrial ecosystems, with community composition exhibiting an especially clear effect. TheCyanobacteriawere the most abundant taxa in crust ecosystems (accounting for ~45% of diazotrophs), while other terrestrial ecosystems were dominated byProteobacteria, includingAlpha‐,Beta‐ andGamma‐Proteobacteria(accounting for ~70% of diazotrophs). Farmland ecosystems harboured the highest and crust ecosystems the lowest alpha and phylogenetic diversities.Azospirillum zeae,Skermanella aerolataand fourBradyrhizobiumspecies were identified as key indicator species of potential diazotroph activity. Overall, diazotroph abundances and distribution were affected by multiple environmental parameters, including soil pH, nitrogen, organic carbon, C:N ratio and annual mean precipitation and temperature. Together, our findings suggest that based on the relative abundance and diversity ofnifHmarker gene, diazotrophs have adapted to a range of environmental niches globally.