bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report on the UK clothing industry and market
Authors: Jones Richard M.
Published: January 2008

The aim of this section of the journal is to provide a review of the current state of the clothing industry and clothing market in the UK in the context of a short historical perspective covering trends in the last few years. The report will cover:
The demand for clothing in the UK and Sweden
Authors: Jones Richard M. , Robb Paul
Published: January 2008

In 1978 Jackson and Al‐Douri published a paper which analysed aggregate demand for clothing in the UK in the period 1964–74. This paper has three aims: —to update the analysis in the case of the UK — in particular to cover the two recent recessionary periods —to extend the analysis to a second country — Sweden —to draw comparative marketing lessons from the experiences of the two economies. It is a particularly appropriate time to conduct the analysis because of the important changes taking place in the trading environment in the 1990s which are foreshadowed by events in Sweden and in view of the impact two recessions have had on the demand for clothing since 1978.
An investigation into the time scale for the emergence of a market for western clothing in Vietnam
Authors: Cooke Sheila E.
Published: January 2008

This research investigates the market for Western clothing in Vietnam, one of the most under‐developed countries of South East Asia. The intention is to look at factors which will assist economic development in Vietnam because economic growth generally leads to greater GDP per capita and this in turn leads to greater spending per capita on clothing. The country is making use of direct foreign investment (DFI) from the ‘Asian Tigers’ to modernise its industry. The lighter manufacturing industries, which include apparel, are expected to benefit. The population of Vietnam welcome this investment and the employment it is creating, and as the labour force changes from agrarian to urban the GDP is expected to rise. This rudimentary clothing industry is being established in Vietnam mainly to supply the markets in Asia but there are indications that there is a growth of local demand for western clothing. In this research the access to retail western clothing in Vietnam is explored from both secondary and primary data sources, and, conclusions drawn incorporating the economic prospects for the future size of the market. The results of the research show that although the country is experiencing strong growth now and there is demand for western clothing the future market will be small.
A vision of sourcing for a global market
Authors: Shepheard‐Walwyn Simon
Published: January 2008

The pace of change has opened up — and will continue to do so — an increasing number of options for consumers to spend time and money. Successful companies will have to maintain an effective response to change, including a product supply strategy that satisfies consumer demands for value. Properly managed, sourcing represents a valuable means of extending the product offering — either horizontally or vertically — in order to respond to three key elements of choice which are driving consumer perceptions of value: choice of how to spend time and money, choice of when and where to shop, and choice of personal style. While sourcing will be an essential element of a product supply strategy for the domestic market, the pace of change which is driving this requirement is having an even more profound effect in those countries from which sourcing is taking place. Consumerism is rising: interest in shopping, the availability of product, affluence and time available to shop all point to the development of massive demand in emerging markets — potentially two billion consumers in Asia Pacific by the year 2000. The winners in mature markets will be world class suppliers. World class performance is created on a world stage. The real winners will be those who apply the principles and practice of fulfilling consumer demand on a global basis.
Selection and acquisition of children's clothing in single‐parent and dual‐parent families
Authors: Heitmeyer Jeanne R. , Grise Kay , Readdick Christine A.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences in single‐ and dual‐parent family households in their selection and acquisition of children's clothing. Respondents included 247 parents of students enrolled in grades K‐12. Significant differences were found in the following items considered. Lack of money was more of a problem for single‐parent families than for dual‐parent families, p = 0.002. Single‐parent families paid for clothing more often by cheque or cash than did dual‐parent families, p=0.009; dual‐parent families used store credit cards more frequently than single‐parent families, p=0.03. No significant differences were found in sources, important purchase factors or satisfaction when selecting and acquiring children's clothing. For all parents, the four most important factors considered when selecting children's clothing were fit, what the parent likes, care required and price. Please note that in the US most children begin school at age 5 in kindergarten (K); ele‐mentary school continues through age 10 at grade 5; middle school encompasses ages 11–13 in grades 6–8; and high school includes ages 14–17 in grades 9–12.
Beyond fashion: Emerging strategies in the Italian clothing industry
Authors: Scarso Enrico
Published: January 2008

After the good results achieved during the last decade, the Italian apparel industry is encountering new problems. On one side, changed customers' tastes and the crisis of the ‘griffe’ have contributed to heavily reduce the attractiveness of the ‘made in Italy’ label. On the other, the increasing globalisation and the growth of low wage competition have made a direct presence abroad essential. To tackle this intriguing situation many companies have reconsidered their business strategy by looking for new competitive arrangements. This paper presents the results of a multi‐case analysis concerning the process of strategic orientations started by several Italian clothing firms. More specifically, it tries to identify and describe the strategic responses that a substantial group of important and widely known enterprises have recently given; the aim is to understand if there is a common guideline that inspires them.
Competitiveness in the clothing industry: The economics of fashion in UK womenswear, 1880–1950
Authors: Godley Andrew
Published: January 2008

Most recent prescriptions for firm development in the garment industry have focused on methods of reducing labour costs, with less emphasis placed on targeting high margin niches. This paper examines how the early ready‐made womenswear industry in the UK moved from a wage‐cost containment strategy before the First World War to exploiting fashion‐sensitive demand in the inter‐war period. The economics of fashion‐sensitive demand meant that the most efficient structure for the industry was to have many small producers, specialised in sub‐processes, and all closely located. However, contemporaries failed to understand the efficiency properties of the ‘industrial district’ type of local economy which emerged in London's East End in the first half of this century, a failure which eventually contributed to the dispersion of industrial activities and to the eventual decline of the industry.
The global reach of the UK clothing sector
Authors: Jones Richard
Published: January 2008

The concept of globalisation has received wide currency in the literature on international business strategy. Authors such as Levitt and Ohmae argue that, in the future, only global companies will succeed. This paper examines the theoretical concepts and their applicability to clothing products and then studies the global spread of the UK clothing industry's exports and overseas investments. It concludes that the applicability of the concept of globalisation to this sector may be limited by the nature of the product and that, in practice, the global spread of export and investment activity as exhibited by the UK clothing industry reveals some potentially disturbing features; notably an over concentration upon the EU. The paper appears in two parts.
L'internationalisation du prât‐à‐porter: The case of Kookai and Morgan's entry into the UK fashion market
Authors: Moore Christopher M.
Published: January 2008

This case examines the internationalisation of fashion retailing and is based upon the entry of French fashion retailers, Morgan and Kookai, into the UK. The case considers their motivation for entry into the highly competitive UK fashion retail market, and explores, in particular, the methods of entry adopted by these companies. The case concludes with an assessment of the potential barriers that exist in respect of successful fashion retail internationalisation and seeks to identify the internal competencies that are required of fashion retailers in order that they might replicate their domestic market success within other countries.
Drivers of change in UK clothing manufacturing
Authors: Bruscas Gracia M. , Groves Gwyn , Kay John M.
Published: January 2008

The most successful companies want to remain successful and are continuously trying to improve their manufacturing operations. How and why these changes are decided, upon and driven through to implementation is of interest to all companies in any particular manufacturing sector. The research described in this paper looks at the drivers of change in UK clothing manufacturing companies. Clothing manufacturers face competitive pressures just as in other industries, but the sector has sonic particular characteristics. In the UK clothing industry, retailers rather than manufacturers dominate the list of key players. This concentration of retail buying power is coupled with intense competition in the home market from overseas and a highly negative balance of trade. The factors investigated as potential drivers of change included:
Minimum wage legislation and the UK clothing industry: The BCIA view
Authors: Wilson J.R.
Published: January 2008

In the editorial to this issue I summarised the available academic evidence on the effect of minimum wages upon employment. I pointed out that it is possible that the conclusion which logically follows from this evidence — that jobs are not lost — may not apply to sectors exposed to strong offshore competition. I felt it would be useful to have the view of the industry (employers) on this subject.
The current state of the clothing industry and market in France
Authors: Hetzel Patrick
Published: January 2008

For several years the clothing industry in France has been experiencing real problems. On the one hand, consumption has been stagnant, or indeed falling, and on the other, foreign competition has been growing at the same time as multifibre agreements are being dismantled. Result: between 1984 and 1994, the sector has lost 40 per cent of its workforce in France and a recent report by the European Commission predicts further losses which may well reach 30 per cent of the present workforce between now and the year 2008. The objective of this work is therefore to provide a brief survey of the present state of the industry, consumption, retail distribution and French foreign trade in order to set out its principal characteristics.
US consumers' knowledge of and concern with apparel sweatshops
Authors: Dickson Marsha A.
Published: January 2008

US consumers admit they are not knowledgeable about the global apparel industry; however, they hold positive beliefs about US apparel industry labour practices. Consumers have much less regard for the foreign industry. There is a slightly higher level of concern for US workers versus foreign workers. Governmental regulations, labelling and store boycotts are agreed upon solutions for abolishing sweatshops. Implications of consumers' beliefs and attitudes to the global apparel industry and governmental policy are discussed.
Volume per stock‐keeping unit for an assortment: A merchandise planning tool
Authors: Kunz Grace I. , Rupe Dana
Published: January 2008

Assortment planning, the determination of the range of choices to be made available at a given time, is a primary merchandising function. Many people with different job titles in both apparel manufacturing and retailing make decisions that impact merchandise assortments. The purpose of this paper is to explain the concept of assortment diversity as measured by volume per stock‐keeping unit for an assortment (VSA), describe the relationship of VSA to per cent gross margin (%GM), and propose topics for further research.
Retail store attributes, fashion leadership and older consumers
Authors: Chowdhary Usha
Published: January 2008

The importance of retail store attributes for apparel shopping was examined for elderly (65 and over) men and women (65 and older). A self‐administered mail‐in survey questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Cronbach's alpha was executed to determine the reliability of the extracted factors. Four extracted factors explained 67.76 per cent of the total variance with regard to the preferences for the retail store attributes by the participating older men and women. Sex was identified as the most discriminating variable for both the extracted factors and fashion opinion leadership variables. Implications of the results for future research in both the US and international settings are discussed.
Production shift for the Hong Kong clothing industry
Authors: Au Kin‐fan , Yeung Kwok‐wing
Published: January 2008

The industrialisation of Hong Kong evolved in the late 1940s with the establishment of the textile and clothing industry. Following the practice of the textile pioneers, Hong Kong clothing entrepreneurs initiated foreign direct investment (FDI) as early as the late 1950s in order to evade the quantitative limitations on clothing exports into developed country markets. In‐depth literature search, survey and interviews have identified that the Hong Kong clothing industry is now in its fourth stage of migratory expansion. The search for export quotas or privileged access to developed countries has delineated the locations for offshore clothing production of Hong Kong firms.
Petite and tall‐sized consumer segmentation: Comparison of fashion involvement, pre‐purchase clothing satisfaction and clothing needs
Authors: Yoo Seulhee , Khan Samina , Rutherford‐Black Catherine
Published: January 2008

This study investigated fashion involvement, pre‐purchase clothing satisfaction and clothing needs of petite and tall‐sized consumers. The differences between petite and tall‐sized consumers were compared, and the relationship among the three variables was examined. Petite and tall‐sized women's shopping characteristics were identified. The data were obtained through mail survey method. The final sample consisted of 177 petite and 144 tall women. Data were statistically analysed to fulfil the purpose of the study. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, mean and standard deviation, were utilised to define the characteristics of the sample. Analysis of variance was tested to compare beliefs about clothing attributes. T‐test and analysis of covariance were utilised to determine if there is any difference between petite and tall women in terms of fashion involvement, pre‐purchase clothing satisfaction and clothing needs. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Pearson Partial Correlation Coefficient were utilised to test the hypotheses. The results indicated significant but relatively low relationships among fashion involvement, pre‐purchase clothing satisfaction and clothing needs. Fashion involvement and clothing needs were positively correlated, while pre‐purchase clothing satisfaction and clothing needs were negatively correlated for both petite and tall‐sized women.
Practitioner Papers
Authors: Yoh Eunah , Gaskill LuAnn R.
Published: January 2008

US retail executives' perspectives of the future of apparel retailing were explored in this study. Data were collected through personal interviews conducted at the 1996 National Retail Federation (NRF) Convention in New York City. Current and future changes in demographic, consumer behavioural and technological trends impacting apparel retailing were studied; current challenges in the apparel retailing field were discussed and future business strategies were recommended. Respondents' predictions include the emergence of a new competitive culture focused on the development of unique products and business strategies beyond price‐based retail competition. Retail executives recommend the development of niche markets and strong product development programmes. Based on study results, implications for retail practitioners and researchers are discussed with relevant hypotheses inductively generated from study findings. The research was funded, in part, by the Graduate Student Research Fund, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Iowa State University.
Academic Papers
Authors: Ea Ruckman Ji‐Young , Kim Jeong‐Wha
Published: January 2008

To assess the distortion in colour matching occurring in the process from design of a fabric to printed output, a combined objective and subjective measurement methodology was used. The results obtained from the spectrophotometer demonstrated that the hue and chroma of the printed copies differed from the originals. It was found that the perception of colour by fashion/textile designers mainly depends upon overall colour differences (▵E) rather than any individual factors such as lightness, chroma and hue.
Pattern design construction for ladies' made‐to‐measure outerwear
Authors: Bond T. , Liao S.C. , Turner J.P.
Published: January 2008

This study was initiated in order to develop a system for made‐to‐measure (MTM) pattern generation with special reference to computer‐aided design (CAD) applications. Recognition of the relationship between body figuration and pattern construction is essential for the production of MTM clothing with good fit. By linking theory and practice, a methodology has been developed for research in this field from female figure typing through sizing, pattern design construction and grading to pattern alteration. The study is divided into three parts. In the first part, the background to women's sizing systems and categorisation of female figure types is discussed, and a new system of size codes and size charts is proposed.
Statistical Review
Authors: Li Yi , Yao Lei
Published: January 2008

The aim of this paper is to provide a statistical review of the Chinese denim industry, which covers the following topics: Chinese production and production capacity of denim yarns, fabrics and apparels; Chinese domestic consumption of denim yarns, fabrics and apparels; Chinese denim export to the USA, EEC and Hong Kong; and finally the geographic distribution of the Chinese denim industry — yarn production, fabric production and apparel production.
Pattern design construction for ladies' made‐to‐measure outerwear
Authors: Bond T. , Liao S.C. , Turner J.P.
Published: January 2008

Following the investigations of sizing systems and size codes in the first part of this study (published in JFMM 4/1), comparative analysis of three systems of pattern design construction is carried out. The relevant pattern dimensions are then formulated so as to implement computerised made‐to‐measure (MTM) pattern generation for the construction of the bodice and sleeve blocks. Based on these new formulations, the establishment of the proposed size charts is simplified and a construction plan is presented to illustrate the new pattern construction system. This is developed to be both logical and flexible for application to different female figure types. In addition, a grade plan is recommended for advanced pattern grading.
Statistical Review
Authors: Jones Richard M.
Published: January 2008

The outlook for the UK clothing market is currently quite good in that it is being driven by a strong upward trend in consumer income and spending. However, the market remains extremely price competitive. Prospects for employment in the UK clothing industry are, by contrast, extremely poor as more UK‐based producers switch to offshore locations and the degree of import penetration continues to rise.
News and Views
Authors: Lea‐Greenwood Gaynor , Bond Terry
Published: January 2008

This section of the Journal is entitled News and Views. It can include practitioner papers, news, events, conference reports, calls for papers, trend summaries, statistics, working papers, etc. Submissions are invited from both academic and industry sources.
East and West think differently? The European and Japanese fashion designers
Authors: Au Joe S.C. , Taylor Gail , Newton Edward W.
Published: January 2008

This is the first of two papers in which the design theories underlining the work of contemporary European and Japanese fashion designers are explored. In this paper, four general, major influential factors are discussed; specifically, the historical factor, the aesthetic factor, the cultural factor and the marketing factor. In order to investigate the underlying design theories of European fashion designers, two European fashion designers with international reputations are discussed, namely, Christian Lacroix and Karl Lagerfeld. These design theories are contrasted with those of two Japanese designers, Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo. The images of their customers, sources of inspiration, and possible underlying design theories are analysed with reference to their contemporary work.
An investigation of the effect of jean purchase criteria and store selection on US teenagers' purchasing behaviours
Authors: Boyd Thomas Jane , Woodward Ginger A. , Herr David
Published: January 2008

The next generation of shoppers is hitting the stores, and forward‐thinking retailers are following their every move. For retailers who target the teen market, developing strategies aimed at reaching this market are complex. This study was conducted for a large south‐eastern US department store chain which was interested in learning more about the purchasing behaviours of teenagers. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between jean purchase criteria, the type of store selected when purchasing a pair of jeans and teenagers’ purchasing behaviours. The sample consisted of teenagers aged 14 to 18 years old who were enrolled in a required economics class in four representative high schools. Results indicated that jean purchase criteria and type of store impact on both information‐seeking behaviours and price‐conscious purchasing behaviours among teenagers. For the information seeker, price, wash and brand were statistically significant and influenced the degree of information‐seeking behaviour. The cost‐conscious teenager was influenced by price, brand and quality. In addition, males and African Americans placed a greater importance on the store where purchases were made than did females and whites, respectively. Opportunities exist for all types of stores which are interested in attracting the teen market. Retailers need to understand where teenagers shop and the criteria that they use for selecting a store. Additional research needs to be conducted to investigate the cross‐shopping behaviours of teenagers and the store selection criteria they use.
Clothing deprivation, clothing satisfaction, fashion leadership and Hong Kong young consumers
Authors: Law K.M. , Zhang Z.M. , Leung C.S.
Published: January 2008

This study examines the relationship between fashion leadership, clothing deprivation and satisfaction of Hong Kong young consumers. A survey was carried out with 309 university students and 228 working young people in Hong Kong. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to group various attributes into different factors related to clothing deprivation and satisfaction. Hirschman and Adcock's (1978) measure was adopted to classify subjects into various fashion groups. ANOVA followed by Scheffe's procedure was applied to detect differences in clothing deprivation and satisfaction between different fashion groups. The implications of the findings to fashion retailers are discussed.
The role of garment sizing in creation of customer satisfaction: Indications from focus group responses
Authors: Otieno Rose
Published: January 2008

Meeting sizing needs in today's clothing is an important aspect of customer satisfaction. Based on the critical incident and grounded theory techniques, data from focus groups with parents are analysed to establish consumer satisfaction/dissatisfaction with children's garment sizing. While results revealed that parents were dissatisfied with garment sizing, the study focuses on specific causes of dissatisfaction. The centrality of efficient sizing in creation of consumer satisfaction is underscored.
SPENDING ON OFFICE SYSTEMS: A PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE
Authors: Panko Raymond R.
Published: January 2008

In 1980, U.S. organizations spent approximately $120 billion on technology to enhance the productivity and performance of office workers. This represented approximately $3000 per office worker. The total does not include the cost of building space or the cost of utilities; these would have added $2000 more per office worker. These dollar estimates should be taken as approximate and provisional, but they are sufficiently accurate to show that the office, viewed as a market, is already a very large one. Office technology, then, is already a major cost in business and government; its careful management cannot wait until some future time.
COMMENT COMPUTER‐MEDIATED WORK: THE EMERGING MANAGERIAL CHALLENGE
Authors: Zuboff Shoshanah
Published: January 2008

The progress of industrialism has meant, in human terms, the development of an acute behavioral discipline at work. This discipline has involved the close monitoring of the body's physical efforts in the course of industrial production and extends to the demands imposed by the standards of civilité in the white collar bureaucracy. The quid pro quo that organized labor has extracted in return for work discipline has included shortened working hours and better wages — the dollars to make mass consumption possible and the time to enjoy the fruits of one's purchases.
COMMENT REVIEW OF “RACE AGAINST TIME”
Authors: Chamot Dennis
Published: January 2008

Offices represent the latest frontier in the drive to automate workplaces. Following hard on advances in factories, transportation and communications, office equipment seems destined for major changes. Vendors, buyers, economists, all sorts of people loudly proclaim the many virtues of the new systems. Yet there seems to be a distinct reluctance to seriously discuss or in some cases even to acknowledge, issues of importance with those kept out of the decision‐making process but who are most directly affected.
WORKING‐AT‐HOME: HOW TO COPE WITH SPATIAL DESIGN POSSIBILITIES CAUSED BY THE NEW COMMUNICATION MEDIA
Authors: Brandt Stefan
Published: January 2008

Futuristic scenarios demonstrate far‐reaching impacts of new communication technologies on the spatial as well as the formal structure of organizations. Working‐at‐home can be combined with several modes of task delegation and coordination. Since traditional theories prove ineffective in coping with the new possibilities of design, a conceptual framework for design models is presented. The framework succeeds in showing the scope of the problem as well as essential elements and relations. An application of the framework is demonstrated by the development of a method for a simultaneous design of an organization's spatial structure, formal structure, and communication equipment. The method's central step consists of an adjustment of potential and requirements for communication processes of organizations.
ISSUES AND APPROACHES TO APPRAISING TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN THE OFFICE: A CONSEOUENTIALIST PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Klein H.K. , Hirschheim R.
Published: January 2008

Offices have always been complex social systems. With the growth of office automation they will have to be recognized as socio‐technical systems. The problems of prediction of consequences of change — in particular, technological change — in such systems are examined in some length and the limitations of causal analysis noted. A distinction between causal and hermeneutic modes of prediction is drawn. Hermeneutic modes of prediction are advocated as necessary in addition to predictions based on causal models in order to overcome the shortcomings of the latter. The results of a hermeneutic predictive exercise are reported which shed some light on the possible impact of future technological change in the office.
USER NEEDS WORKSHOPS: A NEW APPROACH TO ANTICIPATING USER NEEDS FOR ADVANCED OFFICE SYSTEMS
Authors: Johansen Robert , Baker Ellen
Published: January 2008

User needs or requirements analysis is a subject about which intelligent people are beginning to admit their ignorance. An approach to this thorny problem is proposed, along with suggestions for adaptation of the approach to other situations. The emphasis is on recognizing the difficulties of anticipating user needs, as well as the value of exchanging information about alternative approaches.
THE EMERGING KEY ROLE OF WHITE‐COLLAR COMPUTER WORKERS VIS‐A‐VIS ORGANIZED LABOR
Authors: Sterling Theodor D.
Published: January 2008

Computer‐based automation may be decisive in making an enterprise strike resistant. As a consequence it is in a union's interest to include as many as possible data processing and computing skills in bargaining units. It also is in management's interest to have these same skills excluded. Of special importance are a number of developments: (1) the increasing pressure for clerical and technical workers to join labor unions, (2) the FAA's success in keeping airports operational with the help of computer‐controlled air flow procedures and (3) management's successful bids in a number of crucial labor relations cases to exclude from bargaining units licensed and certifiable professionals who were doing data processing work. The primary need now is for proper negotiations and possible new rulings and legislation to deal with the status of professional and technical computer work.
OFFICE WORK
Authors: Panko Raymond R.
Published: January 2008

Office work has grown explosively in this century. Once a small occupational category, office work now includes about 40 percent of the American work force. Yet office work continues to be “the familiar unknown”: we worry about its growing size, we are concerned about its productivity, and we design systems to improve it; but our real knowledge of what goes on in the office is very shallow. This article discusses only a few of the many subtle facets of office work that vendors and users must understand to meet the needs of this attractive, but difficult market.
REFRAMING THE ROLE OF COMPUTERS IN ORGANIZATIONS — THE TRANSACTION COSTS APPROACH
Authors: Ciborra Claudio U.
Published: January 2008

The traditional role of computer‐based information systems is to provide support for individual decision making. According to this model, information is to be seen as a valuable resource for the decision maker faced with a complex task. Such a view of information systems in organizations does however fail to include such phenomena as the daily use of information for misrepresen‐tation purposes. The conventional systems analysis methods, whether they are data‐ or decision‐oriented, do not help in understanding the nature of organizations and their ways of processing information. This paper proposes what appears to be a more realistic approach to the analysis and design of information systems. Organizations are seen as networks of contracts which govern exchange transactions between members having only partially overlapping goals. Conflict of interests is explicitly admitted to be a factor affecting information and exchange costs. Information technology is seen as a means to streamline exchange transactions, thus enabling economic organizations to operate more efficiently. Examples are given of MIS, data base and office automation systems, where both the organization and its information system were jointly designed. These examples illustrate the power of the approach, which is based on recent research in the new institutional economics.
DATA TECHNOLOGY AND WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Bermann Tamar
Published: January 2008

According to a prevalent thesis, women's employment will be affected by the introduction of new technology because lowly qualified, repetitive “women's jobs” are becoming automatized. Others argue that — at least during a long transition period — there will be a need for a large number of data‐input jobs compensating for places of employment lost to women during automatization. Such arguments reveal a number of biases regarding women's work: work carried out by women is per definition less qualified than that done by men, women being best qualified for repetitive work, etc. The paper challenges these assumptions and outlines some of the more subtle social processes influencing the quantity and quality of work available to women: forms of “natural wast‐age”, union policies, views of women as being provided for. New technology is frequently used to strengthen previous tendencies towards segmented labour markets, intensified work, and abstract relationships to reality. Technical determinism can become a self‐fulfilling prophecy unless the development of new technology is informed by emphasis on qualifications necessary for our reproduction as human beings.
A TWO‐FACTOR MODEL OF THE EFFECTS OF OFFICE AUTOMATION ON EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Porter Alan L.
Published: January 2008

We distinguish two factors through which new information technologies will affect office employment. On one hand, office automation will enhance productivity, meaning a given amount of work can be accomplished with less labor. On the other, office workload is apt to increase in response to enhanced information handling capabilities, implying demand for additional workers. The balancing of these two factors dictates office employment. An interactive Delphi forecast based on this two‐factor model predicts modest declines in office work required — a frightening prospect for a society also anticipating continuing declines in manufacturing and agricultural work requirements.
ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEXITY: A NEW VIEW OF EXECUTIVE SUPPORT
Authors: Cashman Paul M. , Stroll David
Published: January 2008

A major challenge facing a business manager is to achieve a sustainable level of success, which in turn means being able to sustainably master the complexity with which s/he must deal. Information technology providers must understand the relationships between the levels of complexity with which managers deal, the importance of support for cooperation and coordination, and the resulting information system requirements. In this paper we describe a theoretical framework which sheds some light on these relationships, and describe a real‐life experiment in using prototype advanced information technology to support strategic business unit management within a large corporation.
The information systems profession: myth or reality?
Authors: Orlikowski Wanda J. , Baroudi Jack J.
Published: January 2008

Much of the prior research into information systems (IS) workers has assumed that they are professionals. In this paper we examine the characteristics of IS workers, IS work and the IS workplace, and suggest that this perspective is mistaken. Drawing on the sociological theory of professions as a reference discipline we contend that IS professionalism is an inappropriate categorization, and that such a portrayal limits our understanding of IS workers and their work. We argue in this paper that a more faithful and potentially useful characterization is to view IS workers as members of an occupational group. Within this perspective, an understanding of the occupational culture, context and history of IS workers is essential to an understanding of the IS occupation. We examine and challenge some common myths regarding IS work, technology and the IS workplace. We conclude by making some recommendations for future research, which should enhance our understanding of IS workers as members of an occupation.
Five easy pieces: reframing the design of office systems
Authors: Greenbaum Joan , Halskov Madsen Kim
Published: January 2008

Problems with the use of office computer systems may often be traced back to the designers' narrow view or understanding of off ice work. Neither office work nor design of office systems should be done solely according to formulas. Precedent and comparison play just as important a role. Accordingly, we do not present a set of guidelines for design but five pieces, or exercises, which stimulate seeing the design issues differently. We use metaphors to interpret computer use. Using the dichotomous ideas of description and interpretation, similarity and difference, planned action and situated action, group discussion and individual problem‐solving, and authoritative knowledge and shared knowledge, we hope to set in motion a dialectical reframing process.
Psychology, pressure groups and environmentalism
Authors: Blood Robert
Published: January 2008

According to the psychological model of social behaviour, the public is instinctively fearful of new or unquantifiable threats, such as those posed by environmental and health hazards. This paper takes a psychological perspective to try and explain how public opinion on environmental issues is formed, and why pressure group campaigning is so successful at influencing it. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the consequences for industry and government.
Management and co‐ordination of international public relations programmes
Authors: Butler Alan
Published: January 2008

There is a growing need for professional international public relations, driven by the globalisation of markets and the instantaneous worldwide reach of the media. In parallel, there are higher expectations of openness and corporate governance throughout the developed world, demanding more professional communications. This paper defines international public relations and discusses the infrastructure necessary for the management of international programmes and the likely costs incurred, including awareness research and media monitoring. Then, in a practical look at the potential pitfalls and opportunities of planning, budgeting and managing international PR campaigns, the author suggests ten guidelines for all international practitioners to follow in striving to achieve efficient co‐ordination and to extract maximum value from the PR budget, plus five more specifically for consultants to ensure a professional and profitable service.
Developing and implementing strategies for communicating bad news
Authors: Payne John
Published: January 2008

Rapid change has been the keynote to survival and business success in the 1990s. Even highly successful organisations have had to communicate bad news at times. This paper is based on the premise that change will be smoother if the ‘bad news’ elements are properly communicated — both within the organisation and externally. It draws on the author's personal views, based on his experiences with Parcelforce, the UK's largest parcels carrier. The paper sets out a basis for communicating bad news, highlighting the importance of careful planning and discussing the role of the communications team in leading the process. It provides a range of practical examples front Parcelforce's experience over the last five years.
Internal communication: beliefs and practice in the organisation
Authors: Clutterbuck David , James David
Published: January 2008

This paper comments on the findings of a new survey into the status of internal communication within British companies and organisations. It suggests that while many companies have opened the door to internal communication as a distinct business discipline — even given it a desk and a chair — most have yet to grant its practitioners a seat at the boardroom table. The authors put forward reasons for this, and identify some of the issues that internal communication managers should address to continue to improve their status.
Old wine in new bottles: Benchmarking for best practice within public relations
Authors: Turnbull Noel , Ramma Lelde
Published: January 2008

There is increasing discussion within the communication industry about benchmarking and best practice. The concepts, derived from manufacturing industry, are now being used to compare and analyse communication functions and practices. To a certain extent this has been driven by organisations involved in total quality management or re‐engineering but a number of people are now seeking to use the concepts to improve public relations practice. This paper explores — through three case studies — the extent to which benchmarking and best practice are relevant to communication; benchmarking methodologies; and, the extent to which current benchmarking practices are genuinely innovative. The case studies explore best practice in environmental reporting through comparisons of international reporting practices and international reporting guidelines and shareholder communications and ethical codes.
Integrating PR monitoring into the overall corporate/product marketing function
Authors: Hampton Fergus
Published: January 2008

The paper examines how corporate affairs departments can use content analysis techniques. It does so by showing how Precis, the system developed by the author's company, was used to monitor the impact of media coverage in three examples: the disposal of Brent Spar; the management of a corporate brand in an adverse regulatory environment; and a new car launch.
Managing reputation at Taylor Woodrow — An executive chairman's view
Authors: Parsons Colin
Published: January 2008

Looking back over five years at Taylor Woodrow, the importance of public relations and an appreciation of its value throughout the business has steadily grown.
Cultural conflicts and corporate responsibility in the international marketplace
Authors: Newsom Doug , Carrell Bob J. , Rossbach Andreas
Published: January 2008

Corporate Social Responsibility became a major issue in the 1970s as social upheaval throughout the world focused on companies and the effects on people and the environment of the businesses in which they were involved. While the impact was felt most in developed nations, developing nations awakened to problems that corporate policies and actions created. Responsive companies attempting to be socially responsible found that created difficulties with investors and governments. Downturns in the economic conditions made matters worse. The conflict broadened to involve cultural differences such as issues like child labour, the role of women in the workplace, payment for contractual considerations. Cultural issues continue to create tension in the arena of corporate responsibilit and put pressure on the role of public relations practitioners. The consequences of being seen as unresponsive to social issues often results in highly unfavourable publicity with financial impact in the world marketplace.
Management of change in BT
Authors: Heath Steve
Published: January 2008

This paper reviews the way in which employee communication has developed in National Business Communications, a major customer facing division in BT, during a time of significant change. It covers how getting communications on the agenda, providing dedicated resources and taking a structured approach is essential for the effective management of change. It also looks at how the emphasis of employee communications is changing from a supply driven strategy to one that will become demand led and how measurement underpins continuous improvement.
The representativeness heuristic as a determinant of public perceptions of banking organisations
Authors: Bennett Roger
Published: January 2008

Three hundred and sixty‐seven members of the general public were interviewed in Surrey and Greater London in an attempt to ascertain whether they employed the representativeness heuristic when interpreting the corporate personas of UK building societies and banks. The representativeness heuristic is a simple decision‐making rule whereby an individual draws inferences about an organisation according to how closely it is perceived to resemble other organisations regarded as typical of a particular group (‘banks’ for example). It emerged that many respondents did indeed apply the representativeness heuristic in this context, resulting in their ignoring or paying little attention to a specific item of objectively useful information. The findings of previous research which concluded that building societies have ‘warmer’ and friendlier images than conventional banks are generally supported. An important observation was that building societies which in recent years have converted themselves into banking PLCs are still regarded by large numbers of people as possessing the same image attributes as unconverted building societies.
Knowledge management: A case study
Authors: Ward Victoria , Alexander Jane
Published: January 2008

This paper describes how NatWest Markets’ (NWM) recent initiative in knowledge management was born and the ways in which it has already evolved to meet the organisation's needs. NWM's knowledge management programme has not attempted to apply theories and impose changes from above, but has encouraged systematic experimentation linked to clear business targets.
People, technology and communication: The case for superhighway codes
Authors: Thomson Kevin , Arganbright Lorrie
Published: January 2008

Technology is rapidly changing the shape of internal communication, as increasingly more organisations make use of email, intranets, ‘extrenets’, databases and the like. The promise of an ‘information superhighway’ has led many organisations to invest heavily in technology, both in terms of time and money. Based on a recent study of electronic communication in 20 top high‐tech companies, this paper explores the critical success factors for realising a maximum return on such an investment and considers the implications for all aspects of an internal communication mix.
The current situation of the conception of stakeholders in German industry
Authors: Grüner Herbert
Published: January 2008

The following paper presents current trends of stakeholder and shareholder value concepts in German industry and discusses the relationship between these two concepts. In order to work effectively, the management of organisational communication has to analyse the results of stakeholder versus shareholder value focus. Although the shareholder value concept seems to be of more importance than the stakeholder concept at the moment, the latter must not be ignored. This paper presents evidence of the significance to an enterprise of its stakeholders, especially internal ones, in German industry and society.
Ethics and tomorrow's company
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: January 2008

The belief that the pursuit of business self‐interest through wealth creation can lead to community well‐being need not be a contradiction in terms. However, it requires greater visibility in the form of effective management systems to communicate and reinforce corporate values both inside and outside the business. This paper argues that where businesses find themselves the subject of criticism or attack it is because they have not, or are perceived not to have, taken significant account of the interests and well‐being of others in the pursuit of their own self‐interest. To meet the challenges that this poses for managers is to ensure that there are principles of business policy to fall back on as a guide to practice and that these are ignored at an organisation's peril.