bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organisational effectiveness of Australian fast growing small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Nelson Silvia , Brunetto Yvonne , Farr‐Wharton Rodney , Ramsay Sheryl
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to make a major contribution to the Australian economy. However, research into organisational processes within SMEs has been limited to date. This study aims to examine the links between communication processes and organisational effectiveness in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study uses social capital theory as a framework to investigate whether employees' level of satisfaction with organisational communication processes affects organisational outcomes within three high growth manufacturing SMEs in one area of Australia.

Findings

Results indicate that organisational communication processes does affect employees' levels of ambiguity regarding customers, job satisfaction and commitment to their firms.

Research limitations/implications

While generalisability is limited because of the small number of SMEs participating in the study, the research indicates great potential for developing theoretical and practical insights into Australian SMEs that would assist industry and employees overall.

Practical implications

Implications for the growth strategies of SMEs, particularly in relation to the current skilled labour shortage, are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes much needed theoretical development and research into SMEs.
Intellectual capital disclosure and intangible value drivers: an empirical study
Authors: Vergauwen Philip , Bollen Laury , Oirbans Els
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study the relationship between intellectual capital disclosures (ICDs) and the relative importance of intangible assets as company value drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

Annual reports of Swedish, British and Danish firms are analysed to measure the extent of ICD. The level of intellectual capital (IC) in firms, measured with proxies for the categories of human, structural and relational capital.

Findings

As to the components of IC, the empirical results indicate that there is a strong significant positive relationship between (the level of) structural capital possession of a firm and the firm's ICD.

Practical implications

This suggests that firms with a relatively high level of structural capital, disclose more information on IC in the annual report. The study found no such significant association between human and relational capital in firms and ICD regarding these items. Firms might have a transparency drawback in addressing these issues in the reports when these IC categories are relatively of greater importance for firms.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence for the argument that firms focus their ICD on those IC elements that are most relevant for the company's value creation process.
The Great Game evolves for Central Asia and opportunities beckon
Authors: Kidd John
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look to new opportunities that may be available to the nations comprising Central Asia. The region has recovered only slowly since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on secondary data from reports by the UN, ADB and other NGOs, academic papers and the press, a quasi‐mathematical equation is used to illustrate how infrastructure development is dependant on many factors. From this analysis the importance of the transportation sector for future growth is discerned. Historical detractors are noted and drivers for the future are discussed.

Findings

The paper finds that Central Asia's future growth and prosperity would be based on a robust redevelopment of all its infrastructures but primarily on the implementation of Maglev high speed rail systems to move freight quickly internally and for Eurasian transit.

Practical implications

Well‐integrated transport infrastructures enhance local wellbeing. The interconnectedness and interdependence of globalised economies depend on transport, but other aspects of the total infrastructure local and regional must be integrated to achieve growth. In the case of Central Asia it is seen that an accord between the Presidents is needed to ensure regional cooperation, which will lead to Eurasian cooperation.

Originality/value

The region has been forgotten, to some extent, by the global community, yet it has great potential to become again an important transportation hub between Europe and Asia. The value of the paper is in noting the push of many NGOs towards regional integration, which may be best approached, we suggest, from an initial investment in its transportation infrastructure.
Transaction costs in group microcredit in India
Authors: Shankar Savita
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Existing literature indicates that transaction costs are a major contributor to high interest rates on microcredit loans. The purpose of the study was to examine the composition of transaction costs to be able to draw implications on how lending rates in microcredit could be reduced in a sustainable manner.

Design/methodology/approach

As the study required in‐depth insights on the processes being followed within a micro finance institution (MFI), the case study method was used. Three established MFIs mainly engaged in microcredit – using group‐lending model – were studied.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the key drivers of direct transaction costs are field worker compensation and number of groups handled per field worker. Collection activity is the single largest contributor.

Research limitations/implications

Generalisations based on the case studies should be done with caution.

Practical implications

It is suggested that MFIs, in order to reduce direct transaction costs, increase the number of groups per square kilometer. In order to reduce indirect costs, MFIs should minimize the number of layers of fixed costs in their system and examine alternative revenue‐generating activities that can be undertaken with minimal incremental costs. Policymakers need to take into account transaction costs when examining the interest rates charged by MFIs. The regional variation in transaction costs that the study has found is an important factor that suggests that no uniform view can be taken on the rates charged by MFIs in different regions.

Originality/value

No other studies have focused on transaction costs of a microfinance institution in India.
Alleviating poverty: how do we know the scope of the problem and when we have solved it?
Authors: Dwyer Rocky J.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to outline and discuss how to incorporate the stakeholder perspective into performance measurement framework to enhance program effectiveness, accountability and understanding in relation to human development issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the literature and a review of best practices was undertaken to identify relevant performance measurements and indicators that could be utilized to measure incremental results and impacts related to poverty reduction strategies.

Findings

Credible demonstration of policy or program impacts for poverty reduction are dependent on understanding the distinction between inputs, outputs, outcomes and indicators. Moreover, to be trusted by the public, performance reporting on poverty reduction needs to focus more selectively on identifying the key measures of performance and the engagement of key constituents. The intention of this paper is to identify some current best practices and suggest a model with potential indicators, which could be utilized to measure incremental results and impacts in relation to human development issues that we contend is the essential next step if the power and resources of stakeholders are to be harnessed in the fight against poverty while enabling organizations to implement new ways of approaching measurement effectiveness and accountability in a strategic and comprehensive manner.

Practical implications

The paper advocates that an understanding of performance measurement theory and stakeholder engagement process can enable business leaders to create practical performance measurement frameworks, which in turn will lead to enhanced reporting and accountability for poverty reduction impacts and results.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview of the literature which both enhances personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels enabling business leaders to gain insight on the inherent stakeholder factors that need to be considered when designing performance measurement strategies and reporting frameworks.
The elephant in the room: gender and export‐led poverty reduction
Authors: Ruiz Thierry Astrid
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of gender‐sensitizing trade strategies aimed at export‐led poverty reduction, where capitalizing on market‐oriented structures and optimizing existing resources become the drivers for making trade work efficiently and equitably.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an in‐depth literature review and the author's own practical experience as an international business consultant specialized in helping public institutions, corporations and non‐profit organizations to integrate a gender perspective into their planning and decision making processes, strategies, programs, and projects.

Findings

The paper concludes that the existing gender gap in trade strategy formulation indirectly hinders trade performance and that pro‐poor trade strategies require more inclusive decision making processes and the use of gender impact assessments.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into the links between CSR, gender sensitivity and value chain analysis is needed to explore the potential of specific engagement between corporations and women‐led MSEs.

Practical implications

The paper proposes that policy and strategy makers can produce more coherent and effective programs by capitalizing on existing market structures and women's entrepreneurial drive, incipient integration into the export value chain, and MSE networks and clusters.

Originality/value

The paper provides a response to how export‐led poverty reduction strategies can systematically maximize market opportunities and, at the same time minimize the risks inherent to implementing counter‐mainstream actions and decisions aimed at creating gendered value‐enhanced market opportunities.
In response to Ansell, Harrison and Archibald on survival analysis and lifestyle segmentation
Authors: Lindgreen Adam , Frederiksen Peder
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to an article in Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 25 No. 4.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a commentary piece.

Findings

The paper finds that certain aspects of the practical application of a statistical model may need to be reconsidered. Marketing planners should take this discussion into account before applying the model in the same way.

Originality/value

Despite the questions raised, the original article and this commentary together provide the impetus for further research studies, potentially leading to a fruitful approach to the planning of “cross‐selling” initiatives.
Who are “innovators” and do they matter?
Authors: McDonald Heath , Alpert Frank
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to bring together and evaluate the reasons that have historically been advanced to justify the heavy emphasis on innovative consumers within the general context of the adoption of products and services, and to assess the strategic benefits to be gained from targeting such market segments.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is critical review and analysis of the published literature.

Findings

This paper finds that, although the benefits of identifying innovative early adopters are not as strong and clear‐cut as is often claimed, they are still sufficient to warrant further research into methods that will accurately identify them and predict their purchasing behaviour.

Practical implications

Targeting strategies should distinguish carefully between truly innovative consumers and other early adopters. The costs of identifying them in a particular market need to be weighed against the potential benefits.

Originality/value

Although many studies have attempted to address the question of what drives individual adoption behaviour, the rationale for that focus has not been well established and is rarely critiqued. In clarifying the situation, this paper should provide guidance for academic researchers and marketing planners.
University performance and strategic marketing: an extended study
Authors: Hammond Kevin L. , Harmon Harry A. , Webster Robert L.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Extending a previous study of business schools across the USA, this further analysis of the research data aims to investigate the organizational deployment of the selection of strategic marketing initiatives prescribed by a national quality programme, and to cross‐index the results to the organisational characteristics of the responding institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by postal questionnaire from the deans of 225 business schools. Descriptive statistics analyze organizational characteristics, marketing planning activities and the use of “faculty awards” for an identified set of performance groups. Cluster analysis identifies distinct segments representing unique combinations of marketing activities undertaken and awards used. Performance levels are compared across the clusters, and the typical organizational structures of their members described.

Findings

Analysis yields marketing intelligence relating to the extent that eight categories of strategic marketing effort are deployed by the best and worst performing business schools in the sample. Common patterns are identified, and attributed to organizational types. It is clear that pre‐requisites for performance excellence are the existence of a formal mission statement, the practice of formal marketing planning, and the planned use of motivational rewards to faculty. But, it is equally clear that too many business schools are content with the status quo, which is not typified by these attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this analysis is limited in a number of identified respects. Implications for future research are discussed.

Practical implications

No one responsible for performance delivery in a business school practitioner should doubt that the benefits of planned strategic marketing are worth the commitment and effort required.

Originality/value

Uniquely, this study provides detailed empirical support to the application of marketing theory within the higher education context. The cross‐indexing of the findings to the various organizational types permits planners to compare practice in other business schools, both in their peer group and in the sector as a whole.
Public sector business support providers: marketing business support to the ethnic business sector
Authors: Emslie Lisa , Bent Richard
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The economic and social importance of minority ethnic‐owned businesses (MEBs) is widely recognised, but it is also well‐known that the providers of business support services have so far fallen short of the ideal in identifying, targeting and communicating with MEBs. This study seeks to add to the very limited academic literature on the topic by investigating the application of marketing principles to the task, in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for interpretation were collected by six semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with public‐sector business‐support providers in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Findings

Providers are aware of the lack of awareness among MEBs of the services available, and the consequent poor take‐up rates. Some have made limited efforts to initiate change by beginning to differentiate their products and services, and market them proactively, but others still favour a generic approach. A constraint on further progress is the lack of useful databases.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small‐scale exploratory study. It would be useful to use its tentative findings as the departure point for broader‐based studies, especially where MEBs are more numerous.

Practical implications

The findings contain lessons for academic researchers and marketing practitioners with an interest in ethnic minorities. Various “differentiated” marketing strategies are discussed, and promotional strategies for targeting the owners and operators of MEBs.

Originality/value

This study adds significantly to the published body of knowledge. Its findings are potentially applicable in the wider context of non‐profit, public‐sector and services marketing.
Political marketing communications planning in the UK and Taiwan
Authors: Peng Norman , Hackley Chris
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This study sets out to make in‐depth comparisons between major political campaigns in the UK and Taiwan, and generate contemporary insights into the creative development process, the working relationships between campaign managers and professional agencies, and the “spin doctor” phenomenon, all through the eyes of very senior professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Material gathered in “élite interviews” was subjected to interpretive analysis and synthesised with secondary data and the findings of an extensive literature review.

Findings

The putative Americanization of political marketing has not been as complete as some authors suggest, but one of its features was an important element in campaign development in both countries: the centrality of the party leader'spersonain an image‐building strategy. The culture and history of the party were an important determinant of the style of the campaigns examined. It was generally agreed that political marketing and advertising have been strongly influenced by commercial branding, though important differences remain.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the richness of the data and the authority of the respondents, the small number of willing participants in the study limits the scope for generalisation.

Practical implications

The findings offer usable insights into the creative development process and the nature of client‐agency relationships, in political campaign planning.

Originality/value

The paper contributes the first expert‐insider perspective in published studies and commentaries concerning political marketing literature. It cuts across disciplines of political science, communication, management, marketing and advertising, and may contain lessons for marketing planners in other non‐commercial contexts.
Quality assurance review programs of auditing firms: an international perspective
Authors: Alkafaji Yass A.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Quality assurance review programs are created to provide assurances to the public that all accountants maintain a high level of competence in public practice. However, not all countries require such programs. The purpose of this research is to compare and contrast quality assurance review programs in different parts of the world in order to identify similarities and differences in these programs. In addition, the paper attempts to explain why some countries adopt quality assurance programs while others do not have such programs.

Design/methodology/approach

A request for information and a survey were sent to the accounting regulatory bodies who are members of the International Federations of Accountants (IFAC). In total, 44 countries responded to the survey, of which 33 have formal quality assurance programs. The survey results were analyzed to identify similarities and differences in the design and implementation of such programs and to draw conclusions from this analysis.

Findings

Analyses of the questionnaires indicate that quality assurance review programs among countries share some common features, but vary significantly in many other areas. It was also found that countries with significant stock markets tend to require quality assurance programs of their accounting firms while countries of less significant stock markets tend not to require such programs.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions are based on the countries which responded to the survey. More countries did adopt quality assurance programs subsequent to the date of a survey in 2002.

Practical implications

Harmonizations of accounting and auditing standards have come a long way as a response to market globalization. Regulators, such as the IFAC, Securities and Exchange Commission and its counterparts, are demanding that such programs be implemented. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of such programs in selected countries, and thus regulators may benefit from its findings.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its type. The paper will help regulators and auditing firms to gain knowledge of the quality assurance programs of selected countries and establish policies in light of these results.
Transparent financial disclosure and SFAS No. 142
Authors: Sevin Suzanne , Schroeder Richard , Bhamornsiri Sak
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine whether companies are providing transparent financial disclosures in compiling with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, and to determine whether the adequacy of these disclosures is impacted by firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a random sample of companies that reported goodwill impairments for the first year of adoption of SFAS No. 142. The firms were then stratified into three groups according to asset size. Subsequent analysis consisted of assessing the financial transparency of companies' goodwill reporting practices in total and by firm size, utilizing an approach suggested in Adams.

Findings

The study's findings suggest that many companies are not willing to provide additional voluntary disclosures to improve financial transparency, despite having the necessary information easily accessible. It also found that compliance with the provisions of SFAS 142 was sporadic and unpredictable.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence that companies are not providing transparent financial information.
CEO duality, audit committee effectiveness and audit risks
Authors: Bliss Mark A. , Muniandy Balachandran , Majid Abdul
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between a firm's internal corporate governance characteristics and audit fees, and whether the external auditor perceives higher inherent risk when CEO duality is present. Additionally, it aims to examine whether having more independent directors on audit committee moderates the auditor's perceived inherent risk when CEO duality is present.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in testing the hypotheses consist of all the Malaysian public listed companies on the main board in terms of market capitalization non‐finance listed companies for year 2001. Multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the relationships proposed in the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that the presence of CEO duality on the board, a proxy for board independence, is associated with higher audit fees and that this positive relationship is significantly weakened when the firm has a higher proportion of independent directors on the audit committee. These results suggest that auditors in their assessment of the inherent risk of a firm recognize that independent audit committees provide an important check to moderate CEO dominance in firms where CEO duality is present.

Originality/value

In this study, the effect of CEO duality and the independence of the board and audit committee are considered. The paper provides an important insight that having more independent directors on the audit committee moderates the auditor's perceived inherent risk when CEO duality is present following the new code of corporate governance introduced in Malaysia in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.
The state of internet marketing research
Authors: Schibrowsky John A. , Peltier James W. , Nill Alexander
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the internet marketing literature to determine how internet marketing research has evolved in terms of quantity, content, and publication outlets. In addition, the paper identifies important trends in the internet marketing literature and provides a view of the research gaps and expected topical areas of interest.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was performed on approximately 1,400 internet‐related marketing articles identified by searching the ABI/INFORM database. A total of 902 peer‐reviewed internet marketing articles appearing in nearly 80 different journals were identified. The study revealed that 60 percent of the internet research had been published in the last three years. The three most researched internet marketing areas were consumer behavior, internet strategy, and internet communications. The topics with the highest growth over the past two years were research issues and consumer search. Over the past 15 years, 14 articles appeared in the top three marketing journals.

Findings

The article identified important trends in the internet marketing research to provide future direction, particularly in terms of research gaps and expected topical areas of interest. The three major research areas that are likely to grow in the next few years are: consumer trust pertaining to the internet, the use of the internet by consumers for marketing related activities, and where is the internet headed in terms of integrating strategies?

Originality/value

The study provides both academics and practitioners with an updated review of the internet marketing literature along with a sense of how internet marketing research is evolving.
Researching vulnerability: what about the researcher?
Authors: Downey Hilary , Hamilton Kathy , Catterall Miriam
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore researcher vulnerability and identify the ways in which research with vulnerable consumers can impact on consumer researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a review of research literature aiming to raise awareness of researcher vulnerability.

Findings

Researchers working in the domain of vulnerable consumers need to be aware that feelings of vulnerability may be reflected back to the researcher.

Originality/value

Methodological concerns surrounding the research of vulnerable consumers tend to focus on the welfare of respondents; researcher vulnerability has been largely neglected within the consumer research literature. Historically, problems arising in the research process have tended to be disguised so as not to elicit negative feedback. This paper creates an awareness of such aspects of unthought‐of ethical and methodological problems.
British consumers' evaluations of US versus Chinese goods
Authors: Leonidou Leonidas C. , Palihawadana Dayananda , Talias Michael A.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The article aims to identify differences in consumers' evaluations of goods made in either the USA or China at different levels of analysis; to trace variations in consumers' evaluations with regard to various cues characterizing US or Chinese goods; and to provide a comparison of consumers' evaluations between US and Chinese goods at different levels of analysis and across different product cues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds hypotheses that correspond to each of the three research objectives. Information was received through personal interviews from a sample of 404 British consumers, aged 18 years and above. Respondents were randomly selected at central locations using a systematic stratified procedure. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire, with questions focusing separately on the USA and China, at five different levels of analysis, and in six different categories of product cues. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the reliability and validity of the scales were found to be satisfactory. The hypotheses were tested using either student‐t or ANOVA statistics.

Findings

The results provide support to all three hypotheses, revealing that there are significant differences in consumer evaluations across the various levels of analysis, caused mainly by the brand, which overshadows country‐of‐origin effects in the case of the USA, but emphasizes these effects in that of Chinese goods.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study have serious implications for corporate and public policy‐makers, especially for the countries involved in the analysis. These implications should be seen within the context of various geographical, product, time, and other limitations, which provide the basis for undertaking future research on the subject.

Originality/value

As opposed to extant research on country‐of‐origin effects, the study offers a multi‐level and multi‐cue comparison for products manufactured by two major actors in the international trade arena (USA and China), as these are perceived by consumers living in an important developed market (the UK).
Customer orientation and salesperson performance
Authors: Cross Mark E. , Brashear Thomas G. , Rigdon Edward E. , Bellenger Danny N.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of customer orientation, at the levels of both the company and the salesperson, on salesperson performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 283 salespeople provides the database that was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Prior studies suggest that both company and salesperson customer orientation has a positive effect on performance. The findings of this study suggest that a salesperson's customer orientation completely mediates the relationship between company customer orientation and salesperson performance. Thus, the influence of a company's customer orientation on salesperson performance acts through the customer orientation of the salespeople.

Originality/value

The study reinforces the importance of customer orientation and the role of salespeople in putting customer orientation into practice.
Service quality, relationship satisfaction, trust, commitment and business‐to‐business loyalty
Authors: Chumpitaz Caceres Ruben , Paparoidamis Nicholas G.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a theoretical basis for evaluating a strategic increase in customers' perceptions of service/product quality – specifically in terms of an increase in relationship quality and customer loyalty in a B2B environment – and to test this theoretical basis empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the relationship‐marketing literature, the authors empirically test a model of business loyalty in a sample of 234 advertising agencies' clients.

Findings

Using the Grönroos conceptualisation, a clear pattern of service‐quality dimensions is established and several important findings are reported – including empirical verification of the mediating role of overall relationship satisfaction in the formation of loyalty attributes. The effects of trust and commitment are also verified.

Research limitations/implications

Studies that model attitudinal as well as behavioural relationship outcomes have strong precedence in the relationship marketing area. Although in this study the “intentions” approach is followed rather than a behavioural one, the measurement of the real behaviour of industrial clients proves to be very difficult from a practical point‐of‐view.

Practical implications

In this service continuum, managers need to clearly define relationship development strategies, service provision policies and develop homogeneous service provision. Towards this direction, it is essential that firms communicate the service and product quality standards to partners so that differences in service provision can be avoided.

Originality/value

The study integrates the concepts of service/product quality, relationship satisfaction, trust, and commitment in a business‐loyalty model, demonstrating the benefits of investing in relationships based on trust and commitment.
Market orientation versus innovative culture: two routes to superior brand performance
Authors: O'Cass Aron , Viet Ngo Liem
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper aims at providing insights into how market orientation and organisational culture together contribute to brand performance, shedding light on the nexus between innovative culture and market orientation, and examining the relative importance of innovative culture over market orientation in affecting brand performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross‐sectional survey, a variance‐based structural equation modelling was used to test hypotheses on a convenience sample of 180 marketing executives in Australia.

Findings

Organisations with a strong innovative culture appear to recognise that building a successful brand depends not always on the interpretation of feedback received from current customers and competitors, but instead on organisations' ability to innovatively develop unique ways of delivering superior value to customers. The findings were consistent with this advice to both market orientation and innovative culture. In addition, the findings indicate that market orientation is a response partially derived from the organisation's innovative culture. Finally, it was also found that organisational culture was relatively more important than market orientation in affecting organisational performance.

Originality/value

The paper advances the understanding of performance‐based market orientation research by investigating structural relationships among market orientation, organisational culture, and organisational performance at the micro level (e.g. brand performance).
Insights into interpreting integrated marketing communications
Authors: Eagle Lynne , Kitchen Philip J. , Bulmer Sandy
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This research paper aims to examine the theoretical and practical applicability of integrated marketing communications.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the findings from a two‐country qualitative study concerning the phenomenon. The research used survey methodology to assess the views of advertising agency members of the Institute of Advertising Practitioners (UK) and the Communications Agencies Association of New Zealand (CAANZ)

Findings

The findings show that practitioners appear to be constructing and applying IMC concepts that are situation‐specific. Nonetheless, a search for a single empirically testable theory of IMC ignores evidence that practitioners are committed to IMC concepts while at the same time resisting the development of “rigid rules”. Additionally, external factors may be forcing reconsideration of marketing communications and accountability.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a study of ad agency perceptions in two countries. While implications of the findings for other countries are discussed, a major direction for the future is the need for research to be conducted in organisations themselves, not necessarily the agencies which service their needs.

Practical implications

Practical implications include variability in terms of the application of IMC principles. This leads to the idea of differential application with – as stated above – some rejection of “rigid rules” in this dynamic area.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its use of a comparative approach using members of clearly identifiable and relevant samples in two countries in relation to IMC. The notion of differentiation in relation to IMC application, the perceived rejection of rigid rules, and the need for further research to be focused in‐company (rather than in‐agency) assist in moving this emergent paradigm forward in an academic and practitioner sense.
Quality award dimensions: a strategic instrument for measuring health service quality
Authors: Palani Natha Raja M. , Deshmukh S.G. , Wadhwa Subhash
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe research which compared quality awards and the selection of criteria for assessing health care processes quality status, in private sector health care institutions in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of quality awards was performed and criteria were selected for assessing health care processes quality status. The relationships in the model, as measured by the instrument, was the work's main objective. Using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, European Foundation for Quality Management and Kanji Business Excellence Model, common factors were extracted to measure the quality perceptions of health care organizations and to measure the relationships among the quality dimensions. The sample selected for this study comprised healthcare stakeholders.

Findings

As a result of respondents' knowledge, data provide unique insights into the relationships among the dimensions that compose quality in healthcare organizations. Principal component analysis was used to identify relationships among service quality dimensions in the developed quality framework. Specifically, the relationship between leadership, resource measurement, people management, process management and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The research shows that developing a measurement instrument is an important step in assessing an organisation's actual or perception of quality and assessing customer's perception is one way to improve service quality.
Is the Swedish welfare state in retreat? Current trends in Swedish health care
Authors: Quaye Randolph K.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore, 14 years since the introduction of market reforms, the extent to which changes have altered the nature of Sweden's health care financing, examine how these changes have affected the views of Sweden's physicians, and to judge the impact of these reforms on the delivery and quality of care.

Design/methodology/approach

Swedish physicians', Federation of County Council members' and health economists' views, were explored. The data were obtained from in‐depth interviews with 31 respondents in the summer of 2005. The sample was drawn from Stockholm County and the Skane Region.

Findings

The respondents generally believed that the Swedish health care system basic structure had remained intact and that several early 1990s reforms, to introduce financial incentives into health care system, had worked well. The diagnostic‐related groups system, though not popular among some health care providers, seemed to have worked for the purposes intended. The majority of Swedish physicians interviewed expressed general satisfaction with their work. Several praised the internal reforms as contributing to more stable health care expenditures, which are low compared with other countries. A majority of respondents supported the care guarantee provisions.

Originality/value

This paper points out that Sweden is showing what governments can do in a global society where access to health care is paramount. All Swedes can feel proud of a well‐planned health care system.
The quest to improve Chinese healthcare: some fundamental issues
Authors: Lee Shiu‐hung , Ng Artie W. , Zhang Karen
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the problems associated with unsatisfactory delivery of services in the current healthcare system of China as experienced by patients of diverse social‐economic backgrounds, including service quality, accessibility and affordability.

Design/methodology/approach

Summarizing the developmental problems of China's contemporary healthcare system, this article is principally a literature review to investigate interdisciplinary issues, including the role of social medical insurance agency, continuous quality improvement and performance measurement system.

Findings

The problems associated with unsatisfactory results of the output from the current healthcare system include the level of quality of services, accessibility and affordability, experienced by the patients of various social economic backgrounds. Developing an integrated system to provide adequate performance measurement complementary with the existing compliance emphasis is suggested, in order to uphold a continuous improvement initiative.

Research limitations/implications

This article is based on interdisciplinary literature review, examining current problems in China's healthcare system and qualitative analysis of the phenomenon. No data are collected to examine the problems identified. In‐depth, ethnographic studies would enable further understanding about the hurdles in the development of a quality healthcare system.

Practical implications

Provides a practical framework for stakeholders to develop an integrated performance measurement system to rationalize resource allocation process that enhances continuous quality improvement.

Originality/value

This paper suggests the adoption of an approach of management science in dealing with China's healthcare system problems and that some fundamental issues found to be critical in developed countries' experience, when striving for performance improvement are not attained under China's current healthcare system. Explores the fundamental issues pertinent to China's current healthcare system and the possible use of performance measurement system for dealing with existing deficiencies.
Migrating registered nurses in the UK: Black and minority ethnic overseas nurses' perspectives
Authors: Alexis Obrey , Vydelingum Vasso
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore, describe and develop a greater understanding of overseas Black and minority ethnic nurses' experiences of, as well as the impact of, their experiences on the quality and service delivery in the UK's NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenology was adopted to explore overseas nurses' experiences. Twelve face‐to‐face interviews were completed and all participants involved were interviewed in their homes. Participants originated from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Findings

Findings revealed five themes such as building ties, reflecting on experience, moving on, reduced confidence and lack of support.

Practical implications

Despite negative experiences, participants indicated that time working in the NHS was useful and contributed towards their development. In recruiting and retaining overseas nurses in the UK NHS, it is important to address their needs – demonstrating NHS commitment to a diverse workforce with ultimate effects on patients' care.

Originality/value

This article shows that some overseas nurses are unhappy in the clinical environment and as a consequence they decide to seek alternative workplaces where they feel that they may be valued.
Conceptualizing moral literacy
Authors: Tuana Nancy
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide an overview of the fundamental elements of moral literacy. Moral literacy involves three basic components: ethics sensitivity; ethical reasoning skills; and moral imagination. It is the contention of the author that though math and reading literacy is highly valued by the American educational system, moral literacy is extremely undervalued and under‐developed.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study the author uses her vast knowledge of moral literacy to break the subject matter into specific and defined sub‐categories. She then explains each sub‐category explicitly using real‐life examples to assist the reader in understanding the gravity and meaning behind each separate facet of moral literacy.

Findings

Moral literacy is a skill that must be crafted and honed by students, and with the aid of teachers who are well‐versed in moral subject matter. It is a complex and multifaceted skill set that is interconnected and must therefore be learned completely in order to be used properly. Teaching students about moral literacy is truly necessary if schools wish to produce productive and responsible citizens.

Originality/value

The study furthers our understanding of moral literacy and how it can play an absolutely vital role in our educational system. The paper not only explains what moral literacy is on a theoretical level, but it puts that theory into specific examples so that the reader can more clearly understand the benefits of acting in a morally literate fashion.
Leadership and moral literacy in intercultural schools
Authors: Walker Allan , Haiyan Qian , Shuangye Chen
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what developing moral literacy for leaders in intercultural schools will mean.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant literature on moral literacy, leadership, intercultural schools and social learning is brought together and integrated to develop an understanding of the intricacies of leading for moral literacy.

Findings

The foundation for developing moral literacy in intercultural schools requires leaders to become knowledgeable, cultivate moral virtues and develop moral imaginations as well as to possess moral reasoning skills. In intercultural settings these components focus on openly addressing, and indeed exposing, issues of class, culture and equity. The elements which form the basis for improved moral literacy are intimately connected with school life and community through learning. Leaders must simultaneously develop their own and their communities' moral literacy through promoting and structuring community‐wide learning through participatory moral dialogue. This may involve sharing purpose, asking hard questions and exposing and acknowledging identities.

Originality/value

This article attempts to apply moral literacy to leading in intercultural schools and suggests that learning holds the key to moral development.
Moral literacy for teacher and school leadership education: a matter of attitude
Authors: Leonard Pauline
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for conceptualizing three dispositional‐related stages that educators may experience in their professional careers and address the implications of these stages for integrating moral literacy perspectives into initial and advanced teacher and leader certification programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The dispositional conceptual framework is presented and discussed from the author's viewpoint. The contention is that there is at least some general consistency that teacher and leader program candidates, at various stages of their professional careers, may experience and reflect in the attitudes – a component of dispositions – that they bring to the university classroom learning environment.

Findings

Observations and insights about the consistency of dispositions within each of three program candidate groups are discussed. The dispositions emerged as: attitude formation; attitude adjustment; and attitude alignment. Within the context of course development and through that process of course delivery, the author describes how an understanding of candidates' attitudinal stages informed decisions about course content and instructional strategies to facilitate an ethos of values inquiry and reflection.

Originality/value

The framework may be useful to professors of education interested in integrating values inquiry and moral agency into their teaching.