bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the origins of enduring product involvement
Authors: Bloch Peter H. , Commuri Suraj , Arnold Todd J.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this research was to explore possible origins of enduring involvement (EI) with products and stimulate relevant research. In addition, this study also examined the conditions that affect involvement development and change.

Design/methodology/approach

Autobiographic narratives were gathered from consumers identified as being highly involved with cars, photography, fashion, or jazz. The data were analyzed at the surface structure, the narrative level, and the deep level, to arrive at chronic structures of the episodes discussed in the narratives.

Findings

EI is a dynamic construct that emerges due to socialization and influences endemic to the product class. Numerous contextual and intervening conditions, such as product tractability, switching costs, disposable variables, and role demands appear to affect the overall development and growth of EI.

Research limitations/implications

In both the design of a product, as well as the facilitation of product‐centered social interaction, marketers can significantly influence the development of a consumer's enduring product involvement. Such a development has long‐term implications for consumer spending and behavior in relation to a product category or specific brand.

Originality/value

The research is among the first works in consumer behavior to map specific elements associated with the development of EI. Further it also helps understand why consumers, rather than become bored, turn increasingly connected and involved with a product category over a period of time. Future research, both qualitative and quantitative, might build upon the results.
Rethinking assessment of marketing research skills and knowledge: a new approach
Authors: Segal Madhav N. , Hershberger Edmund K. , Osmonbekov Talaibek
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a job market by systematically analyzing classified advertisements of position openings. It suggests appropriate methodological techniques to conduct such a study and compares these to traditional methods.

Design/methodology/approach

While this paper discusses several methods used to assess the skill, knowledge, and ability (SKA) needs in the marketing research industry, it focuses on a new approach: content analysis. Content analysis is a systematic and an objective qualitative research technique used to identify the needs of hiring firms through the analysis of classified advertisements of position openings in marketing research. These openings (listings available online and through print classified advertisements) can be examined for the general and specific marketing research skills and knowledge areas identified as critical workplace competencies for employers.

Findings

Content analysis is an alternative, or supplemental method, not meant to replace, but rather to enhance other methods of assessing the industry's SKA needs.

Practical implications

Human resource managers and personnel responsible for developing professional training and development programs will also benefit from these findings. Assessment results can also be useful in designing marketing research programs, adjusting existing marketing research curricula, and enhancing marketing research career service development efforts.

Originality/value

While content analysis has previously been used to assess advertisements, this is a unique application of the method which adds objectivity to marketplace assessment.
A hard look at hard laddering
Authors: Phillips Joan M. , Reynolds Thomas J.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the fundamental assumptions regarding the laddering methodology (Reynolds and Gutman), examine how some “hard” laddering approaches meet or violate these assumptions, provide a review and comparison of a series of studies using “soft” and “hard” laddering approaches to examine the hierarchical structure of means‐end theory, and assess if the discrepant conclusions from this series of studies may be attributed to violations of the fundamental assumptions of the laddering methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of published empirical works using “hard” and “soft” laddering approaches, which aim to examine the hierarchical structure of means‐end theory (Gutman), are reviewed and compared to integrate research findings and to examine discrepancies. Discrepant conclusions, which appear to be attributable to violations of the assumptions underlying the laddering methodology, are explored through a reanalysis and reclassification of the content codes.

Findings

The paper validates the case for laddering and the care needed to gauge how conclusions can be affected when violations of fundamental assumptions of the laddering methodology occur.

Research limitations/implications

Means‐end chain research and, more specifically, the laddering methodology are in need of investigations that assess the importance of its underlying assumptions. Additional work validating both the “hard” and “soft” laddering approaches is also needed.

Practical implications

Results of means‐end research are more interpretable and less ambiguous when the fundamental assumptions of the laddering methodology are met. In practice, means‐end theory benefits managers by providing a useful structure to aid in the interpretation of laddering data.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the fundamental assumptions regarding the laddering methodology to provide methodological guidelines for laddering researchers. This paper also reviews the academic literature examining the hierarchical structure of means‐end theory and explores how violations of the fundamental assumptions of the laddering methodology may impact research findings.
Robust and efficient algorithms for rapid prototyping of heterogeneous objects
Authors: Kou X.Y. , Tan S.T.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Apart from the geometries to be dealt with, rapid prototyping (RP) of heterogeneous objects requires additional material information to be processed. This generally involves a large amount of information to be processed simultaneously. The robustness and efficiency problems, which seem less critical in homogeneous solid fabrications, become an issue. The direct impetus of this paper is to present robust and efficient algorithms for RP of heterogeneous objects.

Design/methodology/approach

The robustness is benefited from using the proposed non‐manifold heterogeneous cellular model, which guarantees gap‐free material depositions around material interfaces. The efficiency enhancement is achieved by eliminating repetitive boundary intersections and using a heuristic material interrogation approach.

Findings

By using the proposed algorithms, the robustness and efficiency of RP of heterogeneous objects can be improved. It is found that an average 30 percent efficiency improvement is obtained using the proposed heuristic material interrogation approach.

Originality/value

Non‐manifold heterogeneous cell representation (HC‐Rep) is used in RP fields for the first time. Based on the HC‐Rep, the robustness and efficiency of RP of heterogeneous object is addressed in this paper.
Rapid prototyping assisted surgery planning and custom implant design
Authors: Singare Sekou , Lian Qin , Ping Wang Wei , Wang Jue , Liu Yaxiong , Li Dichen , Lu Bingheng
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to describe computer‐aided design and rapid prototyping (RP) systems for the preoperative planning and fabrication of custom‐made implant.

Design/methodology/approach

A patient with mandible defect underwent reconstruction using custom‐made implant. 3D models of the patient's skull are generated based on computed tomography image data. After evaluation of the 3D reconstructed image, it was identified that some bone fragment was moved due to the missing segment. During the implant design process, the correct position of the bone fragment was defined and the geometry of the custom‐made implant was generated based on mirror image technique and is fabricated by a RP machine. Surgical approach such as preoperative planning and simulation of surgical procedures was performed using the fabricated skull models and custom‐made implant.

Findings

Results show that the stereolithography model provided an accurate tool for preoperative, surgical simulation.

Research limitations/implications

The methods described above suffer from the expensive cost of RP technique.

Practical implications

This method allows accurate fabrication of the implant. The advantages of using this technique are that the physical model of the implant is fitted on the skull model so that the surgeon can plan and rehearse the surgery in advance and a less invasive surgical procedure and less time‐consuming reconstructive and an adequate esthetic can result.

Originality/value

The method improves the reconstructive surgery and reduces the risk of a second intervention, and the psychological stress of the patient will be eliminated.
Research on laser engineered net shaping of thick‐wall nickel‐based alloy parts
Authors: Zhao Jing , Cao Wenbin , Ge Changchun , Tan Yongsheng , Zhang Yan , Fei Qunxing
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The paper seeks to investigate the laser engineered net shaping (LENS) of metal thick‐wall parts from Ni‐based alloy powders.

Design/methodology/approach

The composition of Ni‐based alloy powders was determined from phase diagram, which was 84Ni14.4Cu1.6Sn. The powders were prepared by gas atomization. Deoxygenation and screen separation were applied to the powders to improve the sintering ability and narrow the particle size distribution before shaping. Thick‐wall metal parts were built by LENS under different conditions. The microstructures, surface morphologies of the prepared parts were characterized.

Findings

The gas atomized powders were almost uniformly spherical after sieving. Most of oxygen contained in the alloy powders could be removed in H2 atmosphere for heating at 550°C for 2 h. These nickel‐based alloy powders with 150‐200 mesh size were suitable for powder feed system. And these powders were shaped successfully by LENS. Thick‐wall parts with thickness ranged from 20 to 25 mm were fabricated. The thickness of each layer was between 400 and 600 μm by scanning electron microscope. Metallographs revealed that dendritic structures with different characteristics were grown on XY‐, YZ‐ and XZ‐section.

Research limitations/implications

The present experiments were limited by the atmosphere control during the LENS process. The oxide at the interface between two neighbor layers could decrease the mechanical properties if without good inert gas protection, such as a protective atmosphere chamber.

Originality/value

This paper describes a refined experimental program that is needed to resolve the remaining technical issues in LENS of thick‐wall parts. The nickel‐based alloy powders suitable for the LENS process were studied and prepared. After pretreatment, the self‐made powders have good shaping ability. Microstructure features were first discussed with the variation of the face orientation. The dendrite arm distance obtained by this experiment is between 8 and 20 μm, well conforming to the theory. The thick‐wall parts with dense structures were fabricated successfully to widen the field of application of LENS.
Development of dynamic masking rapid prototyping system for application in tissue engineering
Authors: Cheng Yih‐Lin , Lee Meng‐Long
Published: January 2009

Purpose

In order to manufacture scaffolds for tissue engineering, a dynamic mask rapid prototyping system to cure UV‐curable biodegradable material was developed. The aim of this paper is to document this system.

Design/methodology/approach

A digital micro‐mirror device (DMD) was used as the dynamic mask generator, with each layer's mask pattern dictated by our self‐developed software. To build the scaffolds, UV light reflected by the DMD was then focused onto the biodegradable material to cure it. The biodegradable material used in this experiment was a mixture of 85/15 PLGA, PEG‐HEMA, and a photo‐initiator.

Findings

The dynamic mask rapid prototyping system was successfully built and scaffolds made of UV‐curable biodegradable material were fabricated to verify the system capacity. The working exposure time for each layer was 45 s except for the first layer, which was 60 s. Scaffolds with 0°/90° and 60°/120° strips in alternating layers were fabricated and the pore size error inXandYaxes of 0°/90° design was found to be 7.33 and 2.13 percent, respectively. Preliminary cell culture tests indicate the fabricated scaffold is not harmful to MG‐63 cell growth.

Research limitations/implications

Different scaffold designs and more UV‐curable biodegradable materials may be further implemented and tested through this system.

Originality/value

This research developed a novel system for tissue engineering scaffold fabrication which can process UV‐curable biodegradable material.
Extrusion freeforming of millimeter wave electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures
Authors: Lu Xuesong , Lee Yoonjae , Yang Shoufeng , Hao Yang , Evans Julian , Parini Clive
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide an easy method of extrusion freeforming to fabricate microwave electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) crystals. EBG crystals are periodic dielectric structures that can block wave propagation and generate a bandgap. These crystals can be used in high capability antennae, electromagnetic wave semiconductors, microresonators, high‐reflectivity mirrors and polarizing beam splitters.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of extrusion process parameters and paste characteristics were investigated. Finally, one‐period and two‐period woodpile EBG crystals with bandgaps in the frequency region of 90‐110 GHz were fabricated and the bandgap was measured.

Findings

The filament diameter is influenced by whether extrusion is carried out with or without a substrate and by the free fall‐distance from the nozzle. The quality of lattice structures is dependent on paste flow and properties. A ceramic paste with 60 vol. % (the fraction of ceramic powder based on solvent‐free polymer) was well suited to fabrication. The solvent content also influenced the fabrication. The experimental results show that under ∼12 per cent solvent mass fraction in the paste and relatively high extrusion ram velocity (more than 0.014 mm/s) at a pressure of 14 MPa, samples with high quality were fabricated.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the rapid prototyping method of extrusion freeforming can be applied for the fabrication of EBG crystals from ceramic powders and the important factors which influence the product quality are identified.
Development of translucent and strong three dimensional printing models
Authors: Suwanprateeb J. , Suwanpreuk W.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim is to investigate the feasibility of increasing the transparency of the samples or models which were fabricated by three dimensional printing technology and study the properties of such developed system.

Design/methodology/approach

Polymethyl methacrylate powders were mixed with maltodextrin binders and used as raw materials for 3DP machine to fabricate samples. The samples were then divided into two groups either infiltrating with heat‐cured acrylate infiltrant or subjected to binder elimination prior to infiltration. As‐fabricated and two types of infiltrated samples were characterized to compare the influence of post‐processing on properties such as shrinkage, light transmittance and flexural properties including modulus, strength and strain at break.

Findings

It was observed that the combination of binder elimination and resin infiltration showed the greatest increase in flexural properties and transmittance percentage approaching the values of polymethyl methacrylate sheet and stereolithography samples. Infiltration without binder elimination increased the transmittance of samples slightly in comparison to as‐fabricated samples. This is related to the level of porosity in the samples and the difference in refractive index of different compositions within the samples namely PMMA, binder and infiltrant.

Research limitations/implications

Additional step of binder elimination prior to infiltration is needed and this may take time to complete.

Practical implications

The technique presented can be used to fabricate a translucent and strong 3DP models.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the factors that are needed to consider increasing the transparency and even strength of 3DP models.
Cure depth control for complex 3D microstructure fabrication in dynamic mask projection microstereolithography
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Wicker Ryan B. , Cho Seok‐Hyun , Ha Chang‐Sik , Lee Seok‐Hee
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The paper's aim is to explore a method using light absorption for improving manufacturing of complex, three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐parts with a previously developed dynamic mask projection microstereolithography (MSL) system. A common issue with stereolithography systems and especially important in MSL is uncontrolled penetration of the ultraviolet light source into the photocrosslinkable resin when fabricating down‐facing surfaces. To accurately fabricate complex 3D parts with down‐facing surfaces, a chemical light absorber, Tinuvin 327™ was mixed in different concentrations into an acrylate‐based photocurable resin, and the solutions were tested for cure depths and successful micro‐part fabrication.

Design/methodology/approach

Tinuvin 327 was selected as the light absorber based on its high absorption characteristics (∼0.4) at 365 nm (the filtered light wavelength used in the MSL system). Four concentrations of Tinuvin 327 in resin were used (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 percent (w/w)), and cure depth experiments were performed. To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Tinuvin 327 on complex 3D microstructure fabrication, several microstructures with overhanging features such as a fan and spring were fabricated.

Findings

Results showed that higher concentrations of Tinuvin 327 reduced penetration depths and thus cure depths. For the resin with 0.15 percent (w/w) of the Tinuvin 327, a cure depth of ∼30 μm was achieved as compared to ∼200 μm without the light absorber. The four resin solutions were used to fabricate complex 3D microstructures, and different concentrations of Tinuvin 327 at a given irradiance and exposure energy were required for successful fabrication depending on the geometry of the micro‐part (concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 percent (w/w) provided the most accurate builds for the fan and spring, respectively).

Research limitations/implications

Although two different concentrations of light absorber in solution were required to demonstrate successful fabrication for two different micro‐part geometries (a fan and spring), the experiments were performed using a single irradiance and exposure energy. A single solution with the light absorber could have possibly been used to fabricate these micro‐parts by varying irradiance and/or exposure energy, although the effects of varying these parameters on geometric accuracy, mechanical strength, overall manufacturing time, and other variables were not explored.

Originality/value

This work systematically investigated 3D microstructure fabrication using different concentrations of a light absorber in solution, and demonstrated that different light absorption characteristics were required for different down‐facing micro‐features.
Hybrid moulds: effect of the moulding blocks on the morphology and dimensional properties
Authors: Gonçalves Martinho Pedro , Jorge Bártolo Paulo , Sérgio Pouzada António
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of the materials used in moulding blocks of hybrid moulds on the injection moulding setup and the properties of the mouldings.

Design/methodology/approach

An instrumented (pressure and temperature) hybrid mould with exchangeable moulding blocks, produced by rapid prototyping and tooling techniques (RPT), was used to produce polypropylene tubular mouldings. The configuration of the mould was varied with combinations of moulding block materials, namely, an epoxy resin composite processed by vacuum casting and steel. The processing conditions were adjusted to obtained steady processing conditions. The mouldings were assessed in terms of the microstructure and the shrinkage.

Findings

Due to the properties of the moulding block obtained by RPT being different from tool steel, the injection moulding processing conditions and the plastics parts properties are different when hybrid moulds are used. The cycle time depends on the moulding block properties and must be adjusted to the desired running temperature. The morphology of the mouldings is strongly affected by the thermal properties of the moulding block materials. When different materials are used in the core and the cavity asymmetric structures develop in the part. The shrinkage of the mouldings, when resin cores are used is also affected by the deformation of the core caused by the injection pressure.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to understanding the morphology of semi‐crystalline mouldings obtained using hybrid moulds and enhances the importance of the core deformation on the shrinkage of the mouldings.
The effects of clustered data on standard error estimates in covariance structure analysis
Authors: Vocino Andrea
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present an empirical analysis of complex sample data with regard to the biasing effect of non‐independence of observations on standard error parameter estimates. Using field data structured in the form of repeated measurements it is to be shown, in a two‐factor confirmatory factor analysis model, how the bias in SE can be derived when the non‐independence is ignored.

Design/methodology/approach

Three estimation procedures are compared: normal asymptotic theory (maximum likelihood); non‐parametric standard error estimation (naïve bootstrap); and sandwich (robust covariance matrix) estimation (pseudo‐maximum likelihood).

Findings

The study reveals that, when using either normal asymptotic theory or non‐parametric standard error estimation, the SE bias produced by the non‐independence of observations can be noteworthy.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the methodological constraints in employing field data, the three analyses examined must be interpreted independently and as a result taxonomic generalisations are limited. However, the study still provides “case study” evidence suggesting the existence of the relationship between non‐independence of observations and standard error bias estimates.

Originality/value

Given the increasing popularity of structural equation models in the social sciences and in particular in the marketing discipline, the paper provides a theoretical and practical insight into how to treat repeated measures and clustered data in general, adding to previous methodological research. Some conclusions and suggestions for researchers who make use of partial least squares modelling are also drawn.
The development of market orientation: a consideration of institutional influence in China
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: January 2009

Purpose

China has followed an unique transition from central planning to a market economy. The purpose of this paper is to examine how China's unique blend of capitalism and socialism has influenced Chinese firms’ market orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Broadly speaking this paper's methodological approach can be described as a positivistic epistemology.

Findings

The paper provides insights into how Chinese institutions facilitate or hinder firms’ market orientation practices through direct effect, externality effect and indirect causal chains. The central theme is that, compared with other countries, China's unaltered political institutions and newly created market institutions have led to unique roles of coercive, normative and mimetic pressures in the diffusion of market orientation among Chinese firms. Especially, regulative institutions’ influence on other institutions is more salient in China than in many other countries.

Research limitations/implications

A lack of primary data and empirical documentation and a lack of in‐depth treatment of some of the key issues are major limitations here.

Practical implications

The paper analyses institutional pressures facing firms operating in China and their variation across different types of firms. An understanding of these pressures is essential to devise market‐oriented approaches in the country. It also examines different institutional factors (e.g. Chinese professional associations) that influence a firm's capability to implement market‐oriented practices.

Originality/value

This paper's greatest value stems from the fact that it employs institutional theory as a lens to understand firms’ market orientation. The institutions‐market orientation nexus is a very important but highly underexamined subject.
Cross‐national invariance of the effect of personal collectivistic orientation on brand loyalty and equity
Authors: Yoo Boonghee
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This study seeks to examine whether or not the effect of personal cultural orientation on brand‐related consumer behaviors functions invariably at the individual level in two culturally opposite countries (South Korea and the USA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from college students from South Korea and the USA. A total of 415 eligible questionnaires were collected: 212 South Korea and 203 USA. Data analysis was conducted using Multivariate analysis of variance.

Findings

It was found that personal collectivistic orientation had a significant effect on both brand loyalty and equity among both Americans and Koreans. Brand loyalty was higher among people of high collectivism than those of low collectivism across brands in both the US and South Korean samples. Likewise, brand equity was also higher among people of high collectivism than those of low collectivism across brands in both countries. These findings indicated that regardless of their national culture, collectivist consumers would show higher brand loyalty and equity than individualist consumers.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation was that only one product category was examined in only two countries. Future research will need the validate the findings by including more product categories across more countries. In addition, other types of personal cultural orientation need to be investigated.

Originality/value

One major contribution of the study is that it examines the personal cultural orientation, not stereotyping consumers by their country or subculture membership. The other contribution is that the effect of personal collectivistic orientation holds regardless of country‐level culture.
Cross‐cultural analysis of gender roles: Indian and US advertisements
Authors: Khairullah Durriya H.Z. , Khairullah Zahid Y.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The objective of this research is to examine gender roles portrayal in Indian and US magazine advertisements. The impact of the socio‐cultural influences on the gender roles portrayal in magazine advertisements of the two countries is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Advertisements appearing in popular Indian and US magazine advertisements were analyzed with respect to the portrayal of male and female models shown in the print advertisements. The advertisements for five products were examined and observations were recorded. The role portrayals of the male and female models in the two countries are compared and discussed.

Findings

The study concludes that there are both significant differences and some similarities in characteristics of gender roles as manifested in Indian and US magazine advertisements. The findings are consistent with those of the few earlier researchers comparing gender roles in different countries. The overall results of the present study suggest to international advertisers that in developing their advertising campaigns for international markets it is important to reflect the cultural values of the society in which they wish to do business.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to take into consideration the limitations of the study with regard to the advertising medium (magazines) and the products advertised. The study was restricted to selected magazines and products; other media such as TV and other products were not considered. The Indian magazines selected for this study are popular Indian national magazines in English which target the educated, well‐to‐do, middle‐class, affluent, urban Indians who can afford to buy these products.

Originality/value

There are few cross‐cultural studies that have examined gender roles portrayal in US advertising vs those of developed and developing countries and this study adds to that body of knowledge. The results are important for guiding marketers in developing advertising campaigns.
Regulation of soft issues in advertising in Confucian societies: a comparative examination
Authors: Gao Zhihong , Kim Joe H.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the formal regulatory framework of controlling soft issues in six Confucian societies: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. It aims to investigate whether these societies adopt a similar approach to soft issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of historical analysis and textual analysis.

Findings

Japan stands out among Confucian societies in regulating soft issues. The other five societies share considerable similarities, though each society's approach ultimately reflects the entanglement and interaction between various economic, political, cultural and historical factors in the local context.

Practical implications

For international advertisers, the ideological facet of advertising regulation in some Confucian societies spells unpredictable traps and troubles.

Originality/value

Only a very few works have systematically examined soft issues in advertising, and few have focused on East Asia. The paper contributes to the literature by comparing how societies with similar cultural traditions regulate soft issues.
Analysis of a customer satisfaction survey using Rough Sets theory
Authors: Chen Wei‐Shing
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to present the use of Rough Sets (RS) theory as a processing method to improve the results in customer satisfaction survey applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is to apply an innovative tool to discover knowledge on customer behavior patterns instead of using conventional statistical methods. The RS theory was applied to discover the voice of customers in market research. The collected data contained 422 records. Each record included 20 condition attributes as well as two decision attributes. The important attributes that ensured high quality of classification were generated first. Then decision rules for classifying high and low overall satisfaction and loyalty categories were derived.

Findings

Three important facts were found: the important product and service attributes that lead to overall satisfaction and loyalty; the percentage of latently dissatisfied customers; and customer decision rules.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the case company and its experience. These rules were presented to the company's sales and marketing managers who believed that they provided them with valuable information for creating strategies to increase customer satisfaction and retention.

Originality/value

RS theory provides a mathematical tool to discover patterns hidden in survey data. The paper describes a new attempt of applying a RS‐based method to analyze overall customer satisfaction and loyalty behavior through regular satisfaction questionnaire surveys.
An application of integrating SERVQUAL and Kano's model into QFD for logistics services
Authors: Baki Birdogan , Sahin Basfirinci Cigdem , Murat AR Ilker , Cilingir Zuhal
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide new solutions to cargo companies’ service quality efforts by integrating different scientific methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Strengths and weaknesses of logistics services of a well known cargo company in Turkey are defined by using a service quality scale (SERVQUAL), service quality attributes are categorized using the Kano model in order to see how well these attributes are able to satisfy customer needs, and findings are transferred to quality function deployment (QFD).

Findings

The findings of the Kano model show that ten of the 27 service quality attributes can be categorized as “attractive”, implying the maximum effect on consumer satisfaction. Through the customer priority level of QFD, the three most important service quality attributes are found to be: VIP Service, informing customers about delivery time before sending, and taking deliveries from customers’ addresses. Also, strengthening information technology infrastructure is the most important technical requirement to focus with the highest technical importance level.

Research limitations/implications

The study involves only one cargo company, it concerns just Trabzon city center branch offices and its sample includes only individual customers instead of individual and institutional customers together.

Practical implications

Offering a case study, the paper presents a guide for cargo companies to employ different scientific methodologies in their service quality development efforts.

Originality/value

Intending to offer scientific approaches to cargo companies as a tool of development in their practical procedures, the paper tries to bridge the current gap between academicians and practitioners and adds to the relatively limited theoretical literature.
Would Indian consumers move from kirana stores to organized retailers when shopping for groceries?
Authors: Goswami Paromita , Mishra Mridula S.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This article seeks to understand whether Indian consumers are likely to move from traditional kirana stores to large organized retailers while shopping for groceries.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hypotheses were proposed: H1: customer patronage differs for different grocery store attributes and H2: customer perceptions of grocery store attributes differ for kirana stores and organized retailers. The study was carried out across four Indian cities‐ two major and two smaller cities with around 100 respondents from each city. Stratified systematic sampling design with a sample size of 409 was used for the study. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the data collected with the help of a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Customer patronage to grocery stores was found to be positively related to location, helpful, trustworthy salespeople, home shopping, cleanliness, offers, quality and negatively related to travel convenience. Kiranas do well on location but poorly on cleanliness, offers, quality, and helpful trustworthy salespeople. The converse is true for organized retailers.

Research limitations/implications

Kiranas have major disadvantages on all customer perception scores except location. These scores being less important determinants of patronage compared with location, in the short run kiranas may not be ousted out of customers’ favour. However, in the long run if they do not work on these other factors, they would face oblivion.

Practical implications

Kiranas need to upgrade their facilities to be able to compete with the organized retailers, who are expected to improve their location scores rapidly in the near future.

Originality/value

The paper predicts whether the foray of large organized grocery retailing would close down millions of kirana shops and result in loss of livelihood, suggesting measures to counter the onslaught.
Why do customers utilize the internet as a retailing platform?
Authors: Ming‐Sung Cheng Julian , Shih‐Tse Wang Edward , Ying‐Chao Lin Julia , Vivek Shiri D.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of perceived value on customer intention to use the internet as a retailing platform and, more specifically, the impact that perceived value (comprising functional, social, emotional and epistemic values) has on Taiwanese customer intention to conduct the two distribution channel functions, i.e. information collection and order placement, through the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 295 usable survey responses were collected in the main commuter district of Taipei, Taiwan.

Findings

The findings indicate that both functional and epistemic values have a significant impact on information collection and order placement. Nevertheless, social value has an impact only on information collection, whereas emotional value has a significant impact only on order placement.

Originality/value

The aforementioned issue has rarely been researched but is essential to the development of a channel of distribution theory and is of immediate relevance to marketing practices. The paper pioneers the study of the impact of perceived value in this context work that empirically investigated such an issue.
Selecting key capabilities of TV‐shopping companies applying analytic network process
Authors: Liao Sen‐Kuei , Chang Kuei‐Lun
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help Taiwan TV‐shopping companies to effectively select the key capabilities by introducing a multiple criteria decision‐making method, the analytic network process (ANP), that has been employed in many areas of managerial decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing the literatures about the balanced scorecard and interviewing the executives obtains the perspectives and criteria to construct the hierarchy for selecting the key capabilities of TV‐shopping companies. Selecting perspectives and criteria of the balanced scorecard are interrelated. Owing to the interdependent relations in decision making, ANP is applied, which captures the outcome of dependency between the perspectives and criteria for handling such problems.

Findings

After reviewing the literatures about the balanced scorecard and interviewing the executives, ten critical criteria are retained: proposal, employee satisfaction, data integrity, risk, treatment, customer satisfaction, brand, revenue growth, cost, budget.

Practical implications

According to the ten important criteria, Taiwan TV‐shopping companies could select the optimal key capabilities more effectively. Moreover, a practical application of ANP presented in section 4 is generic and also suitable to be exploited for Taiwan TV‐shopping companies.

Originality/value

As TV‐shopping channels have been increasing and the industry prospering, a more specified and scientific selection method is essential for the more complex decision making of determining key capability, a critical source of core competitiveness. The paper contributes to selecting the optimal key capabilities more effectively.
The influence of core‐brand attitude and consumer perception on purchase intention towards extended product
Authors: Wu Shwu‐Ing , Lo Chen‐Lien
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This study aims to determine and discuss relevant factors and relationship models affecting consumers’ purchase intention towards the extended product, PC for Microsoft. The results are to serve as a reference for managers when implementing brand extension strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The two major factors, “core‐brand attitude” and “consumer perception fit”, have been included in studying their influence on consumer purchase intention towards extended products. Of the questionnaire surveys distributed to PC users in Taiwan, 667 valid samples were returned. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to establish the relationship model.

Findings

The results indicate that consumers in Taiwan show a relatively high purchase intention towards virtually extended products, Microsoft PC. The relational structure shows that brand awareness has a significant influence on core‐brand image (parent‐brand image), thus indirectly affecting core‐brand attitude and causing impacts on consumer purchase intention towards extended products. On the other hand, consumer perception fit has greater influence than core‐brand attitude, denoting that both the brand association and product connection have a remarkable influence on consumer purchase intention towards extended products.

Originality/value

The study proposes an effective structural model and notes significant influence factors for consumers’ purchase intention towards extended products.
LMX quality, supervisory communication and team‐oriented commitment
Authors: Abu Bakar Hassan , Su Mustaffa Che , Mohamad Bahtiar
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Researches have documented the impact of dyadic communication and relationships on individual behavior in workgroups. However, communication remains as the background element in leadership and management literature as opposed to being the primary process in the leader‐member relationships development. The purpose of this paper is to establish and interpret the appropriate level of analysis based on the correlation between leader‐member exchange (LMX) quality, supervisory communication and team‐oriented commitment in a Malaysian organization setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey from a Malaysian organization (n=201) is analyzed on the relationships between LMX quality, supervisory communication and commitment using within and between analysis (WABA).

Findings

The individual dyad relationships and communication correlates with team‐oriented commitment at the group level. Therefore, LMX quality and supervisory communication influence overall team‐oriented commitment in a work group.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the analyses are based on self‐report in one organization, these results have to be handled carefully.

Practical implications

The results implied that the relationship between dyadic relationships quality, supervisory communication and team‐orientated commitment is best connected if individual workers in work group are encouraged to communicate their needs to supervisors. As such, the worker's ability to communicate mutually about relationships (LMX quality and positive relationships communication) and work (upward openness and job relevant communication) with their immediate supervisor implicates both personal fit and work group functioning.

Originality/value

The results extend the authors' understanding of LMX quality, supervisory communication and team‐oriented commitment by identifying the specific form levels of analysis in a Malaysian organization setting.
Social disclosure rating system for assessing firms' CSR reports
Authors: Widiarto Sutantoputra Aries
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to the development of a systematic social disclosure rating system for analysing firms' social performance through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports or similar social disclosures. The rating incorporates the comprehensive Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) 2002 reporting framework as the benchmark for measuring firm's social performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review in the areas of CSR development, CSR reporting, CSR reporting frameworks, GRI 2002 Guidelines will be utilised in order to create social disclosures rating using GRI 2002 reporting framework.

Findings

The rating accommodates standardized measures of social performance based on the GRI 2002 Guidelines and enables comparison of CSR practices among companies, particularly firms' social accountability to society.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper will fill the lack of standardized content analysis measures of CSR reports, particularly social aspects of CSR. It provides a comprehensive coverage of social indicators, which capture the wide range of issues in social theme of CSR.
Applications and implementations of new media in corporate communications
Authors: Hearn Greg , Foth Marcus , Gray Heather
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Advances in new media and web technology are making it easier for organizations and their employees, suppliers, customers and stakeholders to participate in the creation and management of content. It is therefore, useful to understand how a corporate communication strategy can leverage these trends. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the take‐up and use of new media in organizations, highlighting a current approach to implementation issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews and explores new media in organizations from three ecological layers: the social, discursive and technical, addressing who is communicating, the communication content and new media technology used.

Findings

The paper recommends a customer‐centered approach to implementing new media adoption in organizations using action research.

Research limitations/implications

Academic literature is lagging behind the pace of technological change, and evaluation studies are limited.

Originality/value

The paper shows how new media and Web 2.0 services can be employed to work in tandem with conventional communication tools such as phone, fax and corporate intranets. Such a hybrid approach enables organizations to maintain and strengthen existing stakeholder relationships, but also reach out and build relationships with new stakeholders who were previously inaccessible or invisible.
Strategic ambiguity in emergent coalitions: the triple bottom line
Authors: Wexler Mark N.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and expand the role of strategic ambiguity (SA) in the field of organizational communication. It treats the triple bottom line (TBL) as indicative of an emerging coalition. This coalition brings together three loosely coupled discourse communities each attempting to advance the notion of green business, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This case directs attention to how SA and equivocation built into TBL aids three loosely networked discourse communities – formulated around “profits”, “people” and “planet” – emerge, coalesce and diffuse despite being rooted in imprecise and loosely formulated measures.

Findings

The findings indicate that despite its imprecision, lack of specificity and operational indices the TBL provides its members with the belief that they are far better off joining the coalition than going it alone. TBL's openness to multiple interpretations enables each of the discourse communities in the emerging network to expect to win concessions from others and to protect its values from encroachment.

Originality/value

This treatment of TBL suggests that SA can be expanded beyond an intra‐organizational focus to one encompassing emergent coalitions. The expanded notion of SA helps explain the stickiness of knowledge transfer in the early stage of coalition formation and the propensity of critics to view new imprecise but inspiring ideas like TBL as nothing but a fad or passing enthusiasm.