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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 August 2021

Tomaž Čater, Barbara Čater, Matej Černe, Matjaž Koman and Tjaša Redek

The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the drivers for the use of Industry 4.0 technologies by investigating (1) what motivates companies to consider using I4…

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the drivers for the use of Industry 4.0 technologies by investigating (1) what motivates companies to consider using I4 technologies and (2) what enables (or hinders) the intention to use I4 technologies to translate into their actual use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses survey data collected from a sample of export-oriented manufacturing companies with more than 10 employees. Final analysis is conducted on 124 companies.

Findings

The results show that companies are proactively approaching I4. Only efficiency motives and expected competitive advantage have a positive effect on the intention to use I4 technologies, which in turn positively influences their actual use. The external, legitimacy-based, motives do not play a significant role in explaining the intention to use. With respect to I4 technology enablers, employee competency positively moderates and availability of finance negatively moderates the relationship between intention to use and actual use.

Research limitations/implications

The work extends the existing knowledge base on I4 technology drivers in companies that are not major global trendsetters but are heavily embedded in the value chains of companies from the most industrially developed economies. The study is limited to manufacturing companies in a small European economy and should be retested in other contexts.

Practical implications

The study can help managers implement I4 technologies in their companies more successfully.

Originality/value

We take a novel research approach by proposing a framework that clearly distinguishes between motives and enablers for the use of I4 technologies.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 32 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2018

Tomaž Kolar and Barbara Čater

This paper theoretically and empirically aims to explore customer group flow experiences with an urban adventure game called “escape rooms”.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper theoretically and empirically aims to explore customer group flow experiences with an urban adventure game called “escape rooms”.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive model of group flow antecedents and consequences is proposed and empirically verified by means of survey research and SEM methodology.

Findings

The results indicate that key determinants of group flow experiences are the collective challenge/skills balance, and theming and storytelling. Group flow, in turn, significantly affects participants’ revisit intentions and word-of-mouth communications, as well as group cohesion and subjective quality of life.

Practical implications

The supported research model provides an insight into how group flow experiences can be facilitated by means of gamification and yields important managerial implications. These are systematically discussed in regard to antecedent and consequence constructs.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first papers to systematically examine the antecedents and consequences of group flow experiences at adventure game-based attractions. It contributes to the understanding and management of peak experiences in contemporary hospitality and tourism.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 December 2020

Barbara Čater and Urša Golob

This chapter analyses the evolution of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite extensive research on the strategic aspects of CSR, the absence of a well-defined…

Abstract

This chapter analyses the evolution of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite extensive research on the strategic aspects of CSR, the absence of a well-defined theoretical concept has hindered the development of the field. The authors build on the four mechanisms that conceptually distinguish strategic CSR from CSR in general: enhancing firm reputation, increasing stakeholder reciprocation, mitigating firm risk, and strengthening innovation capacity. By using bibliometric methods, we analyze the main topics, references, and sources of papers, found in the Web of Science Core Collection database. The analysis of the strategic CSR field discusses main topics through three periods (1991–2009, 2010–2014, and 2015–2019). The findings help identify the mapping of conceptual space of the strategic CSR field and suggest grounds for continuing the debates on how to advance the micro-level perspectives on CSR.

Details

Challenges on the Path Toward Sustainability in Europe
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-972-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2009

Barbara Čater and Tomaž Čater

The paper's purpose is to broaden knowledge of customer satisfaction and loyalty in business‐to‐business markets.

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to broaden knowledge of customer satisfaction and loyalty in business‐to‐business markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose and test a model in which customer satisfaction is conceived as mediating the relationship between the elements of relationship value (price, product quality, delivery performance, supplier know‐how, time‐to‐market, service support and personal interaction) and attitudinal and behavioural customer loyalty. The empirical analysis uses structural equation modelling and is based on 477 customer‐supplier relationships in the manufacturing context.

Findings

The results show that satisfaction is negatively affected by price and positively by delivery performance, supplier know‐how and personal interaction. On the other hand, satisfaction positively influences behavioural and attitudinal loyalty. In addition, behavioural loyalty is also negatively affected by price and positively by product quality, while attitudinal loyalty is positively affected by personal interaction.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could add views from the supplier's side and also examine the focal relationship in a network of relationships. The model should be cross‐validated with the same instruments in other contexts.

Practical implications

The paper's main finding that satisfaction is more affected by delivery performance, supplier know‐how and personal interaction than by price holds direct implications for generic business strategies. By building unique relationships with their customers, suppliers can demonstrate they have something different to offer when there is strong market pressure on price. In addition, the finding that the antecedents of behavioural loyalty are more “rational” and “firm‐related”, while the antecedents of attitudinal loyalty are more “emotional” and “individual‐related”, can be used by marketers to improve the relationships with their customers.

Originality/value

The paper systematically addresses the antecedents of customer satisfaction and loyalty from the perspective of relationship value dimensions – an approach that has not yet been taken in the literature.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 24 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 4 December 2020

Abstract

Details

Challenges on the Path Toward Sustainability in Europe
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-972-6

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

John Pratten and Barbara O'Leary

To outline the reasons for staff shortages in the UK catering industry and then to decide if further training could help to address these issues.

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Abstract

Purpose

To outline the reasons for staff shortages in the UK catering industry and then to decide if further training could help to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives have been achieved by examining the training provisions at a college, and then asking the students, their training staff, employers and employees about their needs.

Findings

The study has revealed that the basic training available is suitable for purpose. However, the career ambitions of the students were focussed on restaurants, and they ignored the other catering outlets. A greater knowledge of other forms of employment could retain more staff within the industry. In addition, restaurants could offer greater training to their staff, particularly as the need to manage new skills such as stock control are encountered.

Research limitations/implications

It should be noted that this study merely reports on one small area of the country, and is further limited by small samples. To make more definitive suggestions, a more extensive study should be undertaken.

Practical implications

The work suggests that greater co‐ordination between the training provider and all sections of the industry could ensure that more catering staff remain within the sector.

Originality/value

It is hoped that this paper will initiate debate on the issue of staff retention and persuade the non‐restaurant sector to act more positively on the issue.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 September 2016

Eliane Wilson

The impetus was to assess pluses and minuses of a national mandate with specific paratransit guidelines per “the” 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) model. Two European…

Abstract

Purpose

The impetus was to assess pluses and minuses of a national mandate with specific paratransit guidelines per “the” 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) model. Two European countries were chosen to explore other ways to serve persons with disabilities, not driven by ADA.

Design/methodology/approach

This research compared mandates in each area (via a tri-lingual survey) both as related to ADA’s most common practices and the European model of “Persons with Reduced Mobility” (PMRs). After data collection, analysis compared and contrasted ADA and PMR schemes.

Findings

Even in California, differences were found among survey sites; for instance, the organization type and mix of services varied greatly, despite a national framework. In Europe, there were more similar approaches among regions where, without a national framework, there was flexible, regional decision-making. In Europe, the national focus is on more regular transit accessibility, maximizing transit use rather than special services.

Research limitations/implications

Five recommendations resulted and apply most directly to California and equally for agencies with or without ADA. The strengths of the PMR approach are transferable to California and the trend among a few California partners to go beyond ADA, while only a local option, reinforces the strength of the PMR solution.

Originality/value

How to improve service and financial performance and enlarge the private sector role are put forward. Existing methods, whether Federal or California-driven, need revisiting to achieve true benefits of coordination.

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2016

Lesley Baillie, Eileen Sills and Nicola Thomas

People who are living with dementia are core health service users, but there are ongoing concerns about the quality of their care and the need for improved education of healthcare…

Abstract

Purpose

People who are living with dementia are core health service users, but there are ongoing concerns about the quality of their care and the need for improved education of healthcare staff. The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative study that investigated staff perspectives on an ethnodrama (“Barbara’s Story”) which was used to educate an entire health service workforce and promote a person-centred approach to care.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative, longitudinal design with focus groups held with clinical (nurses, allied health professionals, medical) and non-clinical staff. In Phase 1 there were ten focus groups (n=67 participants) and one individual interview. In Phase 2 there were 16 focus groups (n=77 participants) and three individual interviews.

Findings

Barbara’s Story raised awareness of dementia, engaged staff emotionally and prompted empathetic responses and improved interactions. The project’s senior leadership, whole organisation and mandatory approach were well-supported, with a perceived impact on organisational culture. The project helped to embed practice developments and initiatives to support person-centred care. Barbara’s Story is now well-integrated into the organisation’s practices, supporting its sustainability in use.

Originality/value

Whilst there are increasing resources for educating about dementia, there are fewer evaluations, particularly for large-scale educational initiatives, and a lack of focus on long-term effects. The study findings indicate that education about dementia can be delivered to a whole workforce in a sustainable manner, to prompt empathy, raise awareness, support person-centred care and impact on individual behaviour and organisational culture.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1956

Barbara M. Brown

The Information Service at Fisons Head Office is operated primarily to meet the needs of the fertilizer and heavy chemical part of the group, which is now known as Division 1. In…

Abstract

The Information Service at Fisons Head Office is operated primarily to meet the needs of the fertilizer and heavy chemical part of the group, which is now known as Division 1. In addition it tries to cater for those units of the Fison Group whose information requirements do not justify the appointment of a full‐time Information Officer, and for those at Head Office with group responsibilities. The chief means by which we disseminate information from published sources are our two bulletins, the Fertilizer Bulletin and the Chemical Bulletin, which both appear fort‐nightly. Thus we do in fact put out one a week or, to be precise, four bulletins each calendar month. Both publications have suffered changes of name and have even been dropped for a time, according to the exigencies of the situation, but I was able to trace the present Fertilizer Bulletin right back to 1944, when it went under the name of the Technical Service Review. From 1950–4 it flourished as the Technical Bulletin, and at the beginning of this year was renamed the Fertilizer Bulletin. The contents of this bulletin fall roughly into four parts: technological (manufacturing processes, chemical engineering safety, etc.); laboratory (analytical); commercial (world production and consumption statistics); agricultural (trends in research and farming).

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Liquaa Wazni, Wendy Gifford, Christina Cantin and Barbara Davies

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of graduate students who participated in the community of practice (CoP) and identify areas for improvement to support…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of graduate students who participated in the community of practice (CoP) and identify areas for improvement to support academic success.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 19 graduate students engaged in a CoP to facilitate social interactions, knowledge sharing and learning within a culture of scholarship. A descriptive qualitative research study was conducted using semistructured interviews with eight participants who had attended the CoP meeting.

Findings

All participants were from the School of Nursing and perceived the CoP to be beneficial, particularly international students who had challenges in adapting to new academic and social environments. Areas for improvement include creating a group structure that enhances belonging and learning.

Originality/value

This is the first CoP that was implemented at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the authors’ university. It has been the authors’ experience that a CoP can benefit graduate students through networking, knowledge sharing, social support and learning. The finding of this research will be used to inform a new CoP to address the needs of graduate students. The authors will be adapting the CoP to the current context that includes a virtual platform during the COVID-19 pandemic and will include content specific for international students.

Details

Higher Education Evaluation and Development, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-5789

Keywords

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