bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pricing strategy for companies with mixed online and traditional retailing distribution markets
Authors: Yan Ruiliang
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to help business marketers with a mixed online and traditional retail channel (multi‐channel company) to find the optimal pricing strategy and market structure in order to maximize their profits.

Design/methodology/approach

A game theory model is developed to determine the optimal pricing strategy for the multi‐channel company.

Findings

It was demonstrated that an optimal pricing strategy exists under different market structures for a multi‐channel company. When a company uses multiple channels to sell its product, the optimal pricing strategy is to use a low‐high pricing strategy if the online marginal cost is equal to or less than the traditional marginal cost, or a high‐low pricing strategy if the online marginal cost is far larger than the traditional marginal cost. Furthermore, in order to maximize its profit, the company using multiple channels should adopt channel integration as the optimal market structure.

Research limitations/implications

The present study assumed that all consumers have perfect information. However, information with the consumers could be incomplete. It is recommended that future research explore the pricing strategy under incomplete information settings.

Practical implications

The paper provides a very useful model framework, pricing strategy, and market structure for business managers who are using or planning to use multiple channels to sell their products.

Originality/value

This paper fills a conceptual and practical gap for a structured analysis of the current state of knowledge about multi‐channel pricing strategies. It provides practical and solid advice and examples demonstrating the application of the different types of pricing strategies for business managers.
Modeling long‐term memory effect in stock prices
Authors: Ozun Alper , Cifter Atilla
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper, using Turkish stock index data, set outs to present long‐term memory effect using chaotic and conventional unit root tests and investigate if chaotic technique as wavelets captures long‐memory better than conventional techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Haar and Daubechies as wavelet‐based OLS estimator and GPH and other classical models are applied in order to investigate the performance of long memory in the time series.

Findings

The results indicate that Daubechies wavelet analysis provide the accurate determination for long memory where conventional techniques does not.

Originality/value

The research results have both methodological and practical originality. On the theoretical side, the wavelet‐based OLS estimator is superior in modeling the behaviours of the stock returns in emerging markets where non‐linearities and high volatility exist due to their chaotic natures. For practical aims, on the other hand, the results show that the Istanbul Stock Exchange is not in the weak‐form efficient because the prices have memories that are not reflected in the prices, yet.
Evaluating the banking reforms in Serbia using survey results
Authors: Bitzenis A. , Misic A. , Marangos J. , Andronikidis Andreas
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to critically examine the effects of the ongoing reform process on the overall functioning of Serbia's banking system. It is essential that this reform process bears fruit by developing a sound, efficient and reliable banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

The research results were obtained through exploratory field research. The interviews were aimed at capturing the attitudes of bank managers regarding the country's banking reform process and examining the context of the managers' feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Findings

Based on questionnaire results collected from Serbia bank managers in 2004, the findings suggest that the reform process, although characterized as slow and sluggish due to a lack of customer's confidence in banks, has indeed improved the overall functioning of Serbia's banking sector.

Research limitations/implications

This study's weakness is the fact that it was for the most part exploratory research. Conclusions can be drawn from the research, but not at the desired level of cause‐and‐effect.

Practical implications

The Serbian banking reform process can offer lessons for both more and less advanced economies, as it exposes critical problems and mistakes that could be avoided and managed appropriately.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the research and literature on transition, as Serbia is an area of research in the transition literature, especially regarding the banking sector, which appears to be inadequate and limited.
Tools for converting consumers into advocates
Authors: Blasberg John , Vishwanath Vijay , Allen James
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Executives need a more advanced tool for examining consumers' loyalty, one that provides a sharper, more precise view. this paper aims to introduce such a tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at Bain's Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Findings

The paper finds that the tool needs to focus not on satisfaction and market share but on consumer advocacy, which is key to creating enthusiastic consumers who come back to buy offerings again and again – and are happy about doing it. Bain's NPS can reveal whether consumers identify emotionally with a brand and feel listened to and understood by the company that makes it. NPS scores help identify groups of consumers who feel well served by your product and groups that do not, whose needs you can then probe further. NPS opens a window into how well mass brands are actually serving profitable consumer segments, as opposed to catering to a statistically “typical” consumer who exists only in theory.

Practical implications

Because NPS scores help uncover determinants of future behavior, they provide a much better basis for spotting product weaknesses, evaluating a brand's health and helping gauge whether new products will succeed.

Originality/value

By producing and evaluating NPS data on a regular basis, organizations can institutionalize a cultural shift, making consumer metrics just as practical and auditable as financial metrics like profit and return on equity. They can make performance in the eyes of consumers just as critical a goal as financial performance.
How to develop a customized corporate energy strategy
Authors: Ralston Bill
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Corporations need a structure for thinking through the development of a new energy/environment strategy and the business implications of different strategy alternatives. This paper aims to investigate how to develop a customized corporate energy strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This four‐step process focuses on the major energy/environment issues requiring corporate decisions; it generates two alternate scenarios of the future that span the possibilities and identifies basic policy choices for corporations and also the tradeoffs to be made.

Findings

The paper finds that this process to develop a new energy strategy addresses the prospects that the way an organization manages its energy and environmental threats and opportunities over the next 15 years could invigorate or cripple it. The four major drivers of uncertainty for the future: the dynamics of energy supply and demand, global warming effects, society's environmental‐mitigation and remediation priorities, and world economic development outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Bill Ralston is the co‐author of the best‐practice guide The Scenario Planning Handbook (with Ian Wilson).

Practical implications

The four‐step process outlined here provides corporate executives the practical means to interpret the global forces buffeting them, to identify new pathways for creating value in the future and to get started.

Originality/value

This process to develop a new energy strategy evaluates the prospects that the way an organization manages its energy and environmental threats and opportunities over the next 15 years could invigorate or cripple it.
A strategic approach to overhead management
Authors: Lee Josh , Covell Margaret
Published: March 2008

Purpose of this paper

The average company spends 23 cents out of every dollar of revenue on overhead, yet most firms lack a plan or system for aligning the with their strategic goals. This paper aims to look at a strategic approach to overhead management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reframes how overhead can be categorized and assessed.

Findings

The paper finds that viewing overhead as an investment in a capability is the key to preventing wasteful stop‐and‐start cost‐cutting initiatives.

Practical implications

The paper presents a way to protect the critical capabilities of organizations that are likely to be at risk during cost‐cutting initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new framework for classifying what is spent on overhead and for evaluating the strategic logic of it, so that management can instill a new discipline to managing overhead.
Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management – the journey so far
Authors: Northcott Deryl , Doolin Bill
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper's aim is to reflect on the progress of the journal Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management since its inception in 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the type of contributor to the journal, the subjects published and the qualitative research approaches covered in the journal.

Findings

QRAM has an international profile and an increasing readership. It remains both multi‐ and inter‐disciplinary, attracting submissions from a wide range of accounting and management subjects, as well as papers with an explicit methodological focus. QRAM continues to encourage authors to engage with the practical and methodological aspects of doing qualitative research.

Originality/value

This work provides a timely reflection on the journal's journey so far and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Differentiated realities? A response to Andrew Sayer and Bob Scapens and ChunLei Yang
Authors: Llewellyn Sue
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a response to commentaries in this issue by Andrew Sayer, and Robert W. Scapens and ChunLei Yang on “Case studies and differentiated realities” a paper by Sue Llewellyn published in Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management Vol. 4 No. 1, 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses issues raised in the commentaries around “differentiated realities”, “pluralist ontology” and the “single reality” of social constructivism.

Findings

Reiterates an understanding of the idea of “differentiated realities” and discusses the methodological implications that arise from it.

Originality/value

Clarifies Llewellyn's original discussion of differentiated realities and case studies.
Design of MACS in growth and revival stages of the organizational life‐cycle
Authors: Silvola Hanna
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This study aims to describe and explain the design of management accounting and control systems (MACS) in the growth and revival stages of the organizational life‐cycle of the firm. In addition, it explores how the presence of equity capital investors affects the design of MACS in the case firm in its growth and revival stages.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method is adopted to illustrate the design of MACS in the growth and revival stages. The data are analyzed to describe events in the two organizational life‐cycle stages, which are then compared to identify special features of the design of MACS.

Findings

The results show that, in contrast to a growth stage, a revival firm develops MACS for the firm's internal managerial and organizational purposes, such as a more diversified business strategy and more diversified organizational structure, as well as for external reasons, such as a more challenging business environment and investors' requirements. Investors require more detailed management accounting information to know how to get a better return on their investments in a revival stage, while investors ensured that the case firm was only using formal MACS in a growth stage.

Research limitations/implications

The life‐cycle approach is the main perspective in data gathering even though this may bias the data. Therefore, not everything may be observed. Even though Friesen and Miller's life‐cycle model allows firm to be established through a merger of several declining firms, the birth of the case firm differs from a typical birth of the firm. This study is exploratory in nature, suggesting new insights that could be followed up in future research.

Practical implications

The information produced by MACS is, at a minimum, equally important in the revival stage as in the growth stage even though MACS are used for different reasons. Therefore, MACS cannot be used in the same way in the revival stage as in the growth stage.

Originality/value

The study describes and explains the design of MACS by comparing the growth and revival stages, while the accounting literature does not traditionally distinguish between growth and revival stages in this respect.
Qualitative management accounting research: rationale, pitfalls and potential
Authors: Vaivio Juhani
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an overview of the rationale for qualitative research in management accounting. It discusses how qualitative research could serve the development of theory, and provides guiding principles for qualitative investigation. It also seeks to identify common problems in qualitative studies and lays out avenues for further qualitative inquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on critical reflection and deductive logic in its discussion, drawing on a wide range of theoretical pronouncements and methodological literature, as well as on some illustrative field studies in management accounting.

Findings

The paper opens a broad panorama: it emphasizes field research as a necessary counterweight to textbook appreciations of management accounting, to idealized economic models and to consultancy‐oriented agenda. It identifies how field research serves theory development in different ways, providing a set of practical principles which assist qualitative efforts. The paper also specifies pitfalls in qualitative studies and shows areas where the future potential of qualitative investigations can be focused.

Practical implications

This is a paper that motivates the “qualitative” management accounting scholar. But it also assists in a pragmatic way the qualitatively oriented management accounting scholar – especially someone with little prior experience in empirical fieldwork and in the theoretical interpretation of qualitative data.

Originality/value

The paper provides a source of inspiration, an instructive reflection and a practical guide for the qualitatively oriented, but still somewhat hesitant, management accounting scholar.
Case studies and a single, differentiated reality
Authors: Sayer Andrew
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to provide a commentary on “Case studies and differentiated realities” a paper by Sue Llewellyn published in Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management Vol. 4 No 1, 2007

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to draw upon critical realist and other philosophy of social science to respond constructively to Llewellyn's paper.

Findings

Rejects the claim that we need a concept of plural realities rather than a concept of a single, differentiated reality. Endorses Llewellyn's argument that different meanings of objectivity and subjectivity often go unnoticed, undermining their user's arguments. Takes issue with Llewellyn's claim that surveys are better suited to stable situations and case studies for changing situations. Adds support to the defence of case studies against the charge of lack of representativeness, by drawing upon ontological arguments about part‐whole relations and upon defences of practical reason.

Originality/value

The implication of these points is that a still stronger defence of case study approaches can be made.
Teams in organizations: a review on team effectiveness
Authors: Delgado Piña María Isabel , María Romero Martínez Ana , Gómez Martínez Luis
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the research on organizational teams. The aim is delimiting the conceptual space of effectiveness and determining team‐level measurement issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published works, which analyse the different variables of effectiveness for each type of team, is reviewed (the most used effectiveness criteria are shown in a table). According to the existence of different types of teams – work team, parallel team, project team and management team – the authors assess what variables and measures are more appropriate according to team type, analyse the problems in gathering data and measuring in this level of analysis and, finally, offer a proposal of measurement issues for future research.

Findings

The authors conclude that effectiveness is a multidimensional concept with three dimensions: performance, attitudinal outcomes, and behavioural outcomes. Regarding team‐level measurement issues, the authors also conclude that there is a need to use multiple data sources and multimethod analyses incorporating consensus and aggregation methods, as well as observation and key informants.

Practical implications

The results of this work can support future research on teams. Although considerable headway has been made in the team effectiveness studies, there are things that still need to be done. The paper shows that a more complete measure of effectiveness must be developed, according to the three dimensions: performance, attitudinal outcomes, and behavioural outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper is a comprehensive review and provides a basis for researchers in the area of effective teams.
Achieving desirable group‐work outcomes through the group allocation process
Authors: Kelly Phil
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider how to form and compose work‐groups for teaching and learning in diverse classrooms comprising internationally mobile students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey data from 150 MBA students from 25 countries.

Findings

The way members are allocated to a group impacts on both affective and performance outcomes.

Originality/value

For educators and trainers, these results emphasize the importance of group allocation and composition methods for affective and performance outcomes.
Longitudinal study of the results of continuous improvement in an industrial company
Authors: Marin‐Garcia Juan A. , Pardo del Val Manuela , Bonavía Martín Tomás
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show a real experience of how a scheme of continuous improvement has been gradually transformed, from a very unsuccessful start, passing through different phases and finally delivering results for the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse the evolution of the formal programs of continuous improvement of a firm in a traditional sector (food). The data for the research were gathered by means of participatory observation over the course of 18 months spent in the firm attending the meetings of the improvement teams.

Findings

Both programs (individual and group) have proved to be very profitable for the company. However, there is no magic formula for the correct operation of the system of continuous improvement. The existing system has to be continually improved, correcting faults and trying always to contribute something new to re‐launch the system regularly.

Practical implications

This study has also permitted the authors to highlight the importance of continuous improvement in the firm from both the economic point of view and that of worker development.

Originality/value

The investigation aims to help to cover the lack of longitudinal case studies of continuous improvement.
Team performance and control process in sales organizations
Authors: Rajagopal  , Rajagopal Ananya
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the managerial perspectives of building, nurturing and evaluating sales teams in Mexico. This study discusses the impact of sales team design in reference to the underlying rationale of management control and team coordination as indicators of performance and sales unit effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The major focus of the study is to discuss the impact of sales team design and task coordination as predictors of effectiveness of sales unit performance. A sample of 258 respondents has been covered under the study, categorizing them in equal proportion into three broad areas,: type of sales team, type of product market, and type of sales operations. Four industrial streams in sales were covered while selecting the sample respondents: consumer goods, consumer durables, industrial products, and consumer services.

Findings

The study reveals the balance between team designing and team coordination in performing sales. Work environment is largely governed by team coordination effects for the salespeople. Sales team‐building process has a substantial effect on sales organization effectiveness both directly and indirectly through its relationship with salespeople's behavioral performance.

Practical implications

The results of this study reveal that team performance largely depends on the effectiveness of team coordination, leadership and performance control through behavioral attributes. Sales managers may implement such controls effectively by establishing coordination, training, and feedback process rather than imposing command and control policy.

Originality/value

The thesis of the paper is developed around issues of the cross‐cultural variables and team management affecting workplace environment. The paper explores and maps the symbiosis between cognitive drivers of team members and team culture in performing the tasks.
Lessons from the Northern Rock affair
Authors: Keasey Kevin , Veronesi Gianluca
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse reasons behind the difficulties faced by Northern Rock (NR) and the UK financial system and proposes a return to a more traditional/prudent banking business model, based on a sound balance between sources and uses of funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the background to the credit crunch and presents a simple model of a bank and NR's business model. Conclusions and implications are drawn.

Findings

It is suggested that credit rating agencies should provide a better assessment of the risks involved in securitised instruments by focusing on clarity and transparency and hence allowing liquidity risk of loan originators to be comprehensively understood. Moreover, the efficacy of the existing regulatory framework requires the tripartite system of supervision (Treasury, Bank of England, and FSA) to assume a more alert role in order to avoid asset bubbles in the first place rather than intervening ex post.

Originality/value

The paper will give rise to a series of new research streams – all of which are much needed, given the fragile state of the financial systems.
The sub‐prime crisis, the credit squeeze and Northern Rock: the lessons to be learned
Authors: Hall Maximilian J.B.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

On 14 September 2007, after failing to find a “White Knight” to take over its business, Northern Rock bank turned to the Bank of England (the Bank) for a liquidity lifeline. This was duly provided but failed to quell the financial panic, which manifested itself in the first fully‐blown nation‐wide deposit run on a UK bank for 140 years. The purpose of this paper is to analyse why these events unfolded and what can be done to prevent a repetition.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper briefly explains the background to these extraordinary events before setting out, in some detail, the tensions and flaws in UK arrangements which allowed the Northern Rock spectacle to occur.

Findings

None of the interested parties – the Bank, the Financial Services Authority and the Treasury – emerges with their reputation intact, and the policy areas requiring immediate attention, at both the domestic and international level, are highlighted. Some reform recommendations are also provided for good measure, particularly in the area of formal deposit protection.

Originality/value

The analysis and recommendations contained in this paper are offered up as a contribution towards and stimulant of this wider debate which is urgently needed, given the continuing threats faced by the domestic and international financial system.
Diamond detail and gem fraud status
Authors: Boles J.D.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of diamond detail and gem fraud status.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses diamonds and gem fraud in the context of global terrorism.

Findings

It was found that there is evidence of blatant fraud in diamonds around the globe.

Originality/value

The paper adds insight into the trade in diamonds in the context of global terrorism.
Regulation development and MiFID impact on collective investment in Spain
Authors: Torre Olmo Begoña , Sanfilippo Azofra Sergio , López Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to review Spanish regulatory evolution in the collective investment area, which is very recent in its principal aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper assesses the way investment funds are impacted by the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and the Spanish legislation.

Findings

The legal aspect of the Collective investment institutions (CII) in Spain has experienced a major renovation over the past four years. There were three basic principles: increased flexibility of the CIIs' regime, reinforced protection for investors, and improved administrative intervention regime. Although MiFID focuses its attention on financial markets and investment firms, it also implies an important change for collective investment institutions. New conditions arising after the introduction of this norm are imposing major challenges for financial entities, supervisory authorities and financial markets.

Research limitations/implications

The unified regulatory system, even after the implementation of MiFID, remains fragmented, and the way in which it will apply to investment funds is not easy to disentangle.

Practical implications

As a result of this process, it is hoped that levels of competitiveness will increase and transaction costs fall, which will ultimately result in improved conditions for investors and more efficient companies.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the implications of the MiFID and the UCITS Directives for the investment fund industry in Spain.
A practitioner's guide to mortgage regulation
Authors: Cummings Chris
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a practitioner's guide to mortgage regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the mortgage code and the road to statutory regulation.

Findings

It was found that the future of mortgage regulation rests partly with those policy makers who decide that change is needed and partly with those who work in the industry. Good firms who strive to run better businesses and deliver improving service to their customers have little to fear from rising regulatory standards as they will always be at least one step ahead of the regulator. What is required is a weather‐eye on the changing market and economic conditions, a strong, unifying voice to campaign on behalf of the industry and a clear commitment to work for the good of the customer. That way, whilst some times will be good, and others will be less so, there will still be business to be done.

Originality/value

The paper offers practitioners a guide to mortgage regulation, advising on what firms need to do, key issues for mortgage intermediaries and the need to manage the sector's reputation.
European Court of Justice clarifies circumstances in which financial institutions may exchange credit information without breaching competition law
Authors: Houwen Fred
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how The European Court of Justice's (ECJ) recent judgment in Asnef‐Equifax v. Ausbanc has clarified the circumstances in which financial institutions may exchange information regarding the solvency and creditworthiness of their clients without falling foul of competition law.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the background to the case, the judgment and provides a comment.

Findings

The judgment shows that in case of any doubt there is no substitute for a rigorous analysis of the affected market in light of the case law and general guidance from the Commission and national competition authorities, before engaging in any potentially controversial activity such as information exchange.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into how financial institutions may exchange credit information without breaching competition law in the context of the ECJ judgment.
Company directors' disqualification proceedings following the failure of FSA‐regulated firm
Authors: Gray Joanna
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the company directors' disqualification proceedings following the failure of FSA‐regulated firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the facts surrounding the decision and comments on the ruling.

Findings

It was found that this whole question of overlapping laws in highly complex and regulated business sectors is a real one and is set to become a growing problem for courts to manage and boards to predict.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the real, practical problems that can arise when different legal regimes criss‐cross the same factual domain.
Objection to terms of FSA decision notice heard by Financial Services and Markets Tribunal
Authors: Gray Joanna
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the objections to terms of FSA decision notice heard by the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the facts surrounding the decision and comments on the ruling.

Findings

It was found that this ruling shows the difficulty facing senior individuals who have worked in head of compliance and other senior management functions within firms which are subsequently subject to discipline and enforcement for breaches of FSA rules and principles in relation to corporate governance, systems and controls and other serious compliance failings.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for those working in a senior management role.
Response to activewear apparel advertisements by US baby boomers
Authors: Zurcher Wray Anja , Nelson Hodges Nancy
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of cognitive‐ versus chronological‐age factors in activewear apparel advertisements targeting female baby boomers in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 female participants aged 41‐65 were asked to view two print advertisements: one showing activewear apparel worn by a cognitive‐age model and the other by a chronological‐age model. Participants then responded to a four‐part questionnaire that included a measurement of cognitive age, physical activity, response to the advertisements, and purchase intent.

Findings

The responses indicated that the participants view themselves as younger than their chronological age and were more inclined to respond favorably toward the advertisement using the cognitive age model.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study focuses on only one consumer group – US baby boomers – it reveals their current attitudes toward advertisements of activewear apparel as well as their motivations for purchasing activewear apparel. More research on this age demographic and the impact of cognitive age vs. chronological age on their perceptions of advertising is needed.

Originality/value

Currently one of the largest age demographics in the USA, baby boomers are known for having higher amounts of disposable income as compared to other age cohorts and for their interest in physical fitness and leading active lifestyles. The results of this study point to the need to understand the age‐related perceptions of this consumer group in order to successfully market activewear apparel products directly to them.
Attitudes toward domestic and foreign luxury brand apparel
Authors: Phau Ian , Siew Leng Yip
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the current research is to determine if status and non‐status seeking Australian teenagers differ in their attitudes toward buying domestic and foreign (i.e. Italy, Japan, China) luxury brand apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 365 teenagers participated in this study through a self‐completed questionnaire. Fishbein's Multi‐Attribute Attitude Model was used to measure and compare attitudes toward buying domestic and foreign made apparel. Repeated measure ANOVA and t‐tests were utilized to examine whether the groups differed with regards to their attitudes toward buying luxury brand apparel, using a comparison of apparels “Made in Australia” with those “Made in Italy”, “Made in Japan” and “Made in China”.

Findings

The research findings indicate that status‐seeking teenagers have overall, a more positive attitude toward foreign luxury brand apparel as compared to Australian luxury brands, with the exception of Chinese brands. On the other hand, non‐status seeking teenagers reported that they have more positive attitude towards Australian brands than foreign brands, and consider Australian luxury brands superior to all three foreign brands with regards to ease of care and comfort.

Research limitations/implications

The findings is only limited to Australian teenagers and cannot be generalized to other nationalities or age cohorts.

Practical implications

The study suggests that the Australian apparel industry should concentrate its marketing strategy on enhancing the attributes of “fashionable” and “brand name” of Australian apparel that both status and non‐status seeking teenagers prefer in foreign apparel.

Originality/ value

The paper fills a gap in the literature by validating the study in Australia and focusing on the attitudes of status (and non status) seeking teenagers.
Electronic integration in the apparel industry: the Charles Vögele case
Authors: Mossinkoff Marco R.H. , Stockert Andreas M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze a case where electronic date interchange implementation has been successful and to distill the main reasons for this success and understand how the actors involved dealt with the main inhibiting factors suggested by the information systems management literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of the paper being explorative and partially confirmatory, an “information rich” case was selected to generate new knowledge and review the extant literature on EDI adoption's antecedents and consequences.

Findings

Whereas some suggestions from the literature were confirmed, others are to be reviewed. The main findings are the following: managerial commitment, technological readiness (both of the systems themselves as of employees) and unclear return on investment are the main inhibitors of EDI adoption. One inhibiting factor that, to the authors' knowledge, has not received enough attention in the literature is the fear of data disclosure. The main benefits are not a mere reduction in administrative costs by improved supply coordination and exceptions management. Finally, the personal relationship between participants is the most important for the success of an implementation.

Practical implications

This case can be of value for vertically (relationally) integrated companies that aim to improve supply chain coordination through electronic integration in the apparel, but also in other, industries.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge there has not been any study yet analyzing EDI implementation in vertically integrated companies in the apparel industry so far. Also the authors feel that an in‐depth single case study considerably adds to the knowledge of the phenomenon in question because of the possibility of envisaging the relevance of contextual factors.
Characteristics of retailing internships contributing to students' reported satisfaction with career development
Authors: Paulins V. Ann
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore student perceptions of job characteristics of their internships – and to explore the relationship between these job characteristics and overall satisfaction with their retail merchandising internship experiences in terms of contribution toward career development.

Design/methodology/approach

Three internship site categories were identified: stores, corporate settings, and other types. Students completed surveys after their internship experiences.

Findings

There were significant differences observed between site types and overall satisfaction with internships. Desire to recommend to others, variety of tasks, repetition of duties, similarity of activities, pay, opportunities for networking with others, extent of dealing with other people, and extent of receiving information from supervisors were different among sites. Information and feedback from supervisors, variety of activities, closure with tasks, clear results of tasks, autonomy, and networking opportunities were related to internship satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to US companies and focuses on retail merchandising internships, so results may not be generalizable in other settings.

Practical implications

Retailers may use this information to enhance the structure and tasks associated with their internships. Students and professors may use this information as academic internships are sought.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive look at job characteristics as they related to satisfaction in an internship environment and offers insight to companies who offer internships as well as students who seek them.
Appreciation of apparel e‐tailing by Dutch fashion consumers
Authors: Spijkerman René P.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview about the Dutch fashion retailers' use of internet sites and the Dutch consumers' appreciation of apparel e‐tailing.

Design/methodology/approach

A selection of apparel chain stores was made with the criterion of having more than ten shops to investigate fashion retailers' sites. The sites were rated by the results of Google's search engines on name. Six categories about the content of the site were taken to measure completeness and the developmental stage of these web sites.

Findings

Retailer internet developments appear to be mainly complementary to their brick‐and‐mortar shop retail channel strategy. Of the interviewed consumers in The Netherlands 15 per cent had bought garments on the internet. Age and gender effects were not found. Inhibiting factors were security worries about payment, privacy and delivery, but the expected reasons such as fun, product information and fit, feel and look were less important.

Research limitations/implications

Since factors that inhibit buying on the internet are mainly connected to internet technology and insecurity, the prediction of 25 per cent of the consumers buying garments on the internet is only justified if internet use and buying becomes more generally accepted by larger consumer groups.

Practical implications

Apparel internet sales by retailers is a significantly growing retail channel. To be successful, retailers should take five recommendations seriously.

Originality/value

This paper offers an overview of current apparel retail internet strategies and an analysis of consumer data about apparel buying. Results are interpreted to offer recommendations to apparel retailers in general.
The police turnover problem: fact or fiction?
Authors: Lynch Jessica E. , Tuckey Michelle
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to examine, in detail, the magnitude and profile of police turnover across Australasia.

Design/methodology/approach

Sworn officer turnover statistics (total separations and voluntary resignations) for four financial years were collected from all Australian and New Zealand police jurisdictions. Comparisons were made with the Australian and international public sector. The age and years of service of resigning officers were also obtained.

Findings

Despite concerns about the high level of turnover, benchmarking data showed that total police turnover was lower than in other Australian public sector organizations and comparable with that in international public sector organizations. Voluntary resignations were also lower in policing than in the Australian public sector, but higher than in the international public sector. Further, resignations were the major form of turnover, and female officers resigned at a higher rate than male officers with a peak in the 25‐39‐year age bracket.

Practical implications

Although, over the last few years, turnover within Australasian police organizations has been low, the high proportion of resignations suggests that it is possible to achieve further reductions. This finding has an important implication for police agencies currently experiencing difficulty in maintaining sufficient numbers; namely, that the overall turnover rate in police organizations should be responsive to organizational initiatives. Police jurisdictions should therefore endeavor to investigate the causes of voluntary resignation to inform strategies to minimize avoidable turnover.

Originality/value

In addition to highlighting a variety of issues relevant to the consideration of turnover within policing, the present study obtained objective and reliable data to challenge the alleged problem of high turnover within Australasian policing. The benchmarking conducted here offers a detailed insight into the nature and extent of voluntary turnover within Australasian police organizations, and provides clear directions for future work in this area.
Predicting officer performance in motor vehicle stops
Authors: Growette Bostaph Lisa
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possible existence of the repeat phenomenon in police motor vehicle stops.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a mid‐western police department. Data were collected from contact cards completed by police officers making motor vehicle stops between July 1, 2001 and December 31, 2001. Contact cards included information concerning the stop itself, driver, passengers, motor vehicle, and the officer making the stop. Individual identifiers of police officers allowed for an analysis of individual officer performance concerning motor vehicle stops. A Poisson process and logistic regression were used in the analysis.

Findings

Analyses revealed that motor vehicle stops are not randomly distributed across police officers and, in fact, a significant concentration of motor vehicle stops among few officers existed. Situational variables such as reason for the stop and time of the stop were significant predictors of high‐performing officers.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the results include an immeasurable bias due to officers' discretion in completing contact cards for every motor vehicle stop, lack of external validity due to the specific circumstances surrounding the data collection, and the ‘time window effect’. Future research should focus on neighborhood level data collection, ‘hot spots’ for motor vehicle stops, the existence of high‐performing (repeat) officers in field (pedestrian) stops, potential differences in racial disparity of motor vehicle stops across high‐ and low‐performing officers.

Practical implications

The results of this study may offer insights into personnel and deployment practices based on officer performance.

Originality/value

This study is one of few on officer performance that included individual identifiers of police officers. This unique aspect of the data allowed for the analysis of a little‐researched area: officer productivity in motor vehicle stops.
Police academy training: comparing across curricula
Authors: Chappell Allison T.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This study aims to address two interrelated research questions. First, to compare the academy performance of police recruits trained under a traditional academy curriculum with the performance of those trained under a new academy curriculum based on community policing. Second, to investigate whether a different “type” of recruit performs better in the community policing curriculum compared with the traditional curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis is used to estimate the effects of independent variables on three dependent variables that indicate academy success: average academy scores, failure experiences, and post‐academy employment.

Findings

Results suggest that more highly educated recruits and female recruits fared better in the community policing curriculum but that, overall, recruits in the community policing curriculum performed similarly to their traditional counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that newer police training models may be rewarding skills consistent with the community policing philosophy, such as education. This is a study of one police training center that has instituted a new training curriculum, so results cannot be generalized to other training centers. The community policing curriculum was in the early stages of implementation when data were collected and was therefore not yet standardized. Finally, the analysis is limited to predicting the success of police recruits in the academy, rather than predicting their job performance.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined academy training in community policing. This study is a first step to broadening understanding of the impact of academy training in community policing on police recruits.
Examining police use of force: a smaller agency perspective
Authors: Terrill William , Leinfelt Fredrik H. , Kwak Dae‐Hoon
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This research seeks to examine police use of force from a smaller police agency perspective in comparison with what is known from previous research using data from larger‐scale agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using police use of force reports involving arrests (n=3,264) over a three‐year period (2002‐2004) from a small police agency located in the upper‐Midwest, this study utilizes descriptive and multivariate analyses to examine how and why officers use force.

Findings

While officers resorted to physical force (beyond handcuffing) in 18 percent of the arrest encounters, the majority of force is located at the lower end of the force continuum (e.g. soft hand control). However, unlike officer behavior, much of the resistant behavior displayed by suspects is toward the upper end of the spectrum (e.g. defensive/active). The results also indicate that the most powerful predictor of force is the presence and level of suspect resistance presented to officers. These findings are placed within the context of prior work.

Research limitations/implications

Since the current study relies on official data from a single police agency, the findings come with caution in terms of generalizability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on police use of force by examining everyday force usage in a small police department.