bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grounded theory, ethnography and phenomenology
Authors: Goulding Christina
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to look at some of the problems commonly associated with qualitative methodologies, suggesting that there is a need for a more rigorous application in order to develop theory and aid effective decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines three qualitative methodologies: grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. It compares and contrasts their approaches to data collection and interpretation and highlights some of the strengths and weaknesses associated with each one.

Findings

The paper suggests that, while qualitative methodologies, as opposed to qualitative methods, are now an accepted feature of consumer research, their application in the truest sense is still in its infancy within the broader field of marketing. It proposes a number of possible contexts that may benefit from in‐depth qualitative enquiry.

Originality/value

The paper should be of interest to marketers considering adopting a qualitative perspective, possibly for the first time, as it offers a snap‐shot of three widely‐used methodologies, their associated procedures and potential pitfalls.
Qualitative research in marketing
Authors: Gummesson Evert
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To discuss and analyse three themes in qualitative research in marketing which are objects of both frustration and confusion: analysis and interpretation; theory generation; and a quest for scientific pluralism and individual researcher lifestyles.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinning the discussion is that complexity, ambiguity, fuzziness, chaos, change, uncertainty and unpredictability are characteristics of a market economy; that qualitative and subjective interpretation is necessary to add the spark of life to marketing data; and that general marketing theory needs more attention from researchers.

Practical implications

The proper use of methodology and the generation of better marketing theory will make it easier for practitioners to reach the right decisions.

Findings

Quantitative and qualitative research processes are not by nature antagonistic, although their advocates may be; quantitative methodology carries qualitative “bugs”, necessary for its sustenance.

Originality/value

The article ends with a recommendation that every researcher in marketing should design his or her individual research approach, one that suits the personality of the researcher. As an example, the author presents his own current methodology‐in‐use, interactive research.
The evolution of “classical mythology” within marketing measure development
Authors: Lee Nick , Hooley Graham
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper provides a deeper examination of the fundamentals of commonly‐used techniques – such as coefficient alpha and factor analysis – in order to more strongly link the techniques used by marketing and social researchers to their underlying psychometric and statistical rationale.

Design/methodology approach

A wide‐ranging review and synthesis of psychometric and other measurement literature both within and outside the marketing field is used to illuminate and reconsider a number of misconceptions which seem to have evolved in marketing research.

Findings

The research finds that marketing scholars have generally concentrated on reporting what are essentially arbitrary figures such as coefficient alpha, without fully understanding what these figures imply. It is argued that, if the link between theory and technique is not clearly understood, use of psychometric measure development tools actually runs the risk of detracting from the validity of the measures rather than enhancing it.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on one stage of a particular form of measure development could be seen as rather specialised. The paper also runs the risk of increasing the amount of dogma surrounding measurement, which runs contrary to the spirit of this paper.

Practical implications

This paper shows that researchers may need to spend more time interpreting measurement results. Rather than simply referring to precedence, one needs to understand the link between measurement theory and actual technique.

Originality/value

This paper presents psychometric measurement and item analysis theory in easily understandable format, and offers an important set of conceptual tools for researchers in many fields.
Long life to marketing research: a postmodern view
Authors: Addis Michela , Podestà Stefano
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper aims at interpreting the epistemology of marketing. The paper investigates several research questions, proposing some initial reflections concerning their impact on marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses the research questions by conducting an analysis of the marketing literature. An analysis of philosophical postmodern literature is also carried out. The paper's attempt constantly to create links between the level of philosophical elaboration and that of marketing research leads to a proposal of new approach to marketing research: experiential research.

Findings

In the paper's review of the marketing literature the traditional pragmatic approach of marketing as a discipline is highlighted. Its strong managerial perspective has partly diverted researchers’ attention from the theory, and focused it mainly on the method. This has created an increasingly marked distinction between the marketing literature aimed at management, and that aimed at the academic community. The postmodern perspective on marketing calls for a rethinking of the “scientific nature” of marketing as an investigative field.

Research limitations/implications

The main point is that marketing cannot be a scientific discipline only by adopting a scientific method. Marketing research is by definition different in nature: it cannot generate better but only different knowledge. This perspective shift has an impact on all research components. First, the field of research widens enormously, because researchers can deal with everything arousing their interest and to which their accumulated knowledge can be applied. Since the discipline does not become scientific, the researcher can use any method. All methods can originate scientific theories, and therefore incremental knowledge. Hence science is neither objective nor absolute.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the philosophical roots of postmodernism, in order to understand its impact on postmodern marketing better. It also focuses on the impact of postmodernism on marketing research, and proposes a new approach. This paper then explores the features of the experiential research in marketing, and its effect on the processes of generating knowledge.
No idea? Evaluating the effectiveness of creativity training
Authors: Birdi Kamal S.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the long‐term impact of three types of creativity training workshops conducted within an organization and contrast the influence of training compared with work environment factors in influencing employee innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A follow‐up questionnaire was returned by 71 employees who had taken part in the creativity training programmes offered by a Civil Service organisation. Based on employee innovation theory, respondents were asked about changes in their knowledge, attitudes and use of creativity at work as a result of the training and about work environment factors.

Findings

Respondents reported moderate but significant improvements in their levels of creativity knowledge, attitudes, workplace idea generation and idea implementation as a result of attending the training. Analyses also indicated that poor managerial support or an unfavourable departmental climate for innovation could limit the impact of creativity training with regard to influencing idea implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study was a cross‐sectional survey it is recommended future research should test the present findings by using a longitudinal approach. Implications for research into the content and design of creativity training are made.

Practical implications

Guidelines are presented for designing, implementing and evaluating creativity training initiatives and improving work environmental support.

Originality/value

The paper offers a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of creativity training interventions and demonstrates how effectiveness can be limited if the work environment is not favourable.
The challenges of human resource management towards organizational effectiveness
Authors: Stavrou‐Costea Eleni
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The study aims to examine the human resource management challenges in Southern EU and their effect on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, key challenges were identified in the existing literature. Then, these challenges were matched with those reported most often in the CRANET questionnaire. These challenges were operationalized into current organizational practices, also reported in the questionnaire. Last, t‐tests were used to explore the relationships between organizational effectiveness and the selected human resource management practices representing the challenges.

Findings

Key challenges involved training and development, efficiency and flexibility, and employee relations in all nations explored. Furthermore, practices of the training and development challenge, the employee relations challenge and the efficiency and flexibility challenge are significantly related to organizational productivity in most of Southern EU.

Research limitations/implications

The study used single‐respondent, self‐administered questionnaires. Nevertheless, this study offers fertile ground for further, more in‐depth investigation of challenges and their relation to organizational effectiveness not only in Southern EU but also in other parts of Europe or the world.

Practical implications

Southern EU organizations should employ requisite training, development, flexibility and employee relations practices to achieve excellent organizational performance. Furthermore, governments may create policies to promote the above practices, since, in the long term, achieving organizational excellence will reflect positively on national economies. All these may be facilitated through proactive organizational, national and cross‐national HRD initiatives.

Originality/value

The significance of the present study stems from the fact that none of the existing literature explores the impact of human resource challenges on organizational performance.
Factors influencing knowledge creation and innovation in an organisation
Authors: Merx‐Chermin Mireille , Nijhof Wim J.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence the innovative power of organisations. The concept of innovation and innovative power was examined by analysing the relationship between the construct of the learning organisation, knowledge organisation and innovative organisation, and has resulted in an innovation process model. This model consists of three processes: knowledge creation, innovation and learning to learn. The factors that might influence this cycle are: added value for stakeholders, leadership, climate, structure and strategic alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study that was conducted at Océ Technologies in The Netherlands.The case study consisted of a qualitative and a quantitative stage and comprised a selection of two innovation projects separated in time. The purpose of the first phase was to collect information about the innovation spiral, through interviews with members of three divisions in each innovation process. After this, a survey was designed and sent to all employees and managers of the three divisions involved in the two innovation cases.

Findings

On the basis of a data analysis, factors explaining variance in terms of innovation, learning and knowledge creation were identified. If innovation is discontinuous, the innovation spiral is not valid; if innovation has a strength in critical reflection on cases from the past to mould the future, the model has some explanatory power.

Research limitations/implications

Using a survey technique to retrieve data from a current innovation experiment has a set of possible risks like maturation, forgetting, selection and a different context. Reflection and reconstruction, however, are the only possible means to achieve this. A case study does not guarantee generalisation of results.

Originality/value

By studying the model and the factors that can influence them, organisations understand that it is necessary to integrate their initiatives in organisational learning, knowledge creation and innovation for the benefit of the organisation, to find a better way to adjust to discontinuous change and finally gain innovative power.
Outplacement and re‐employment measures during organizational restructuring in Belgium
Authors: De Witte Hans , Vandoorne Jan , Verlinden Roel , De Cuyper Nele
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to review the research literature and legislation on outplacement and re‐employment interventions in Belgium and present results of qualitative research and case studies of companies, regarding interventions during organizational restructuring.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprises a literature review, qualitative (semi‐structured and in‐depth) interviews with workers and experts, and case studies of companies.

Findings

The literature on interventions suggests the importance of “traject‐counselling” for affected workers as a most valuable intervention during organizational restructuring. In‐depth interviews with job‐insecure workers highlight the importance of fair treatment, and especially of interactional justice. Case studies and interviews delineate the components that make re‐employment initiatives successful: outplacement interventions include emotional support, training of skills and individual coaching or guidance. Belgian legislation regarding outplacement and re‐employment initiatives is unique and extensive. Possible weaknesses, however, are the complexity of procedures, the unfamiliarity of the public with the legislation and the lack of legislation at an international level.

Research limitations/implications

The reported results are based on qualitative research only. In the future, quantitative evaluation studies need to be performed, in order to evaluate the outcomes of re‐employment initiatives and of the implemented legislation.

Practical implications

The results highlight the need for training of all partners involved in organizational restructuring: workers, managers and outplacement consultants.

Originality/value

This study offers the first integrated account of research results on measures needed to re‐employ workers during (and after) organizational restructuring in Belgium. Various methods (literature review, qualitative interviews and case studies) are used. The results include valuable suggestions for other European countries.
International management skills for success in Asia
Authors: Neupert Kent E. , Baughn C. Christopher , Thanh Lam Dao Thi
Published: March 2005

Purpose – This paper identifies skills necessary in order to succeed in Vietnam and proposes a training program to develop such skills. Design/methodology/approach – To determine necessary skills, 74 managers were interviewed using critical incident methodology to identify training needs. Critical incident approach asks respondents to describe the incident, its nature and consequences to provide context for understanding the managers’ problems. Findings – Local Vietnamese managers cited professional development (42 percent), basic business skills (29 percent), communication and cultural skills (18 percent) and legal understanding skills (11 percent) as most critical to succeed in international business. Foreign managers cited cultural understanding and awareness (34 percent), professional skills (23 percent), personal skills (20 percent), and interpersonal skills, language and communication skills. For Vietnamese managers, training includes leadership, problem solving, interpersonal skills, business basics, communication and culture. For expatriate managers, training presents the particular aspects of the local culture in a way that allows the foreign manager to become more effective through understanding and awareness. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study and its training suggestions are based on findings from Vietnam. To be relevant outside Vietnam, the program may be adapted. Originality/value – This paper identifies the skills needed by Vietnamese and expatriate managers to be successful in international business. The findings and suggestions are valuable to managers and trainers involved in international business in Vietnam and Asia.
Act always so as to increase the number of scientific perspectives
Authors: Riegler Alexander
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The paper serves as an introduction to the special issue on Heinz von Foerster. Major episodes of his life are sketched and related to his scientific convictions regarding transdisciplinary research and radical constructivist. In the second part the contributions to the issue are summarized. Finally, the relevance of Foerster's work is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The arguments are based on the scientific literature.

Findings

Foerster argued against reductionist science and in favor of transdisciplinary research in order to trigger further scientific developments.

Practical implications

By using transdiciplinary and choosing the constructivist perspective, science will increase its productivity. This should be reflected in science policy.

Originality/value

By pointing at the variety of his scientific output and his influence on many colleagues and students, the paper is in support of Foerster's non‐reductionist worldview.
The origin and conservation of self‐consciousness
Authors: Maturana Romesín Humberto
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To reflect on the matter of self‐consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose is achieved through the process of answering four questions presented to me by Heinz von Foerster in the course of our many conversations.

Findings

It is not possible to understand the nature of self‐consciousness without understanding the operation of human beings as living systems that exist as emotional languaging living systems: self‐consciousness is a manner of living.

Practical implications

We human beings can become more aware of our responsibility in the design of robots that imitate us.

Originality/value

Reflects on what makes us humans special, on subjective experience, and on the world we bring forth.
Inside embodiment – what means embodiment to radical constructivists?
Authors: Porr Bernd , Wörgötter Florentin
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This work explores the consequences of Heinz von Foerster's claim in the context of linear signal theory, embodiment and the creation of artifacts that the nervous system is operationally closed. It operates only in contact to itself.

Design/methodology/approach

In linear signal theory all transfer functions can be directly associated with the neural activity where also the environment is described by neural activity. The phenomenon of embodiment is interpreted from the perspective of the nervous system, thus from the inner perspective. To identify inside and outside an organism must learn to identify the disturbances which are only in the environment. This can be done by anticipatory learning.

Findings

Questions whether the nervous system is able to distinguish between inside and outside. Mathematically stays in the field of linear control theory and tries to give this mathematical formalism a new meaning in the light of radical constructivism. Gives some guidelines how to apply the highly theoretical claims to more practical situations.

Originality/value

Provides further evidence of the important contribution to the theory of constructivism made by Heinz von Foerster.
Cybernetics and embodied cognition: on the construction of realities in organisms and robots
Authors: Ziemke Tom
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To point out the relevance of Heinz von Foerster's work to modern embodied cognitive science and artifical intelligence research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses (a) von Foerster's contributions to understanding the limitations of the computer metaphor which has long dominated cognitive science, and (b) his theories concerning how reality is constructed in organizationally closed organisms, and what the underlying neural mechanisms are. The latter is exemplified with a simple neuro‐robotic model that illustrates the constructive and anticipatory nature of memory.

Findings

von Foerster's work on the integration of a radical constructivest philosophy of knowledge construction with models of the underlying neurophysiological and sensorimotor mechanisms is still highly relevant to the understanding of embodied cognition and robotic models thereof.

Originality/value

This paper identifies conceptual contributions that von Foerster's constructivist cybernetics can make to cognitive science's still limited understanding of the embodiment of cognition and “representation”.
EigenForm
Authors: Kauffman Louis H.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Discusses the notion of eigenform as explicated by Heinz von Foerster wherein an object is seen to be a token for those behaviors that lend the object its apparent stability in a changing world.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes von Foerster's model for eigenforms and recursions and puts this model in the context of mathematical recursions, fractals, set theory, logic, quantum mechanics, the lambda calculus of Church and Curry, and the categorical framework of fixed points of Lawvere.

Findings

Determines that iterating a transformation upon itself is seen to be a key to understanding the nature of objects and the relationship of an observer and the apparent world of the observer.

Originality/value

Contemplates the concept of recursion in the context of second‐order cybernetics.
A theory of concepts and their combinations I
Authors: Aerts Diederik , Gabora Liane
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To elaborate a theory for modeling concepts that incorporates how a context influences the typicality of a single exemplar and the applicability of a single property of a concept. To investigate the structure of the sets of contexts and properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of context on the typicality of an exemplar and the applicability of a property is accounted for by introducing the notion of “state of a concept”, and making use of the state‐context‐property formalism (SCOP), a generalization of the quantum formalism, whose basic notions are states, contexts and properties.

Findings

The paper proves that the set of context and the set of properties of a concept is a complete orthocomplemented lattice, i.e. a set with a partial order relation, such that for each subset there exists a greatest lower bound and a least upper bound, and such that for each element there exists an orthocomplement. This structure describes the “and”, “or”, and “not”, respectively for contexts and properties. It shows that the context lattice as well as the property lattice are non‐classical, i.e. quantum‐like, lattices.

Originality/value

Although the effect of context on concepts is widely acknowledged, formal mathematical structures of theories that incorporate this effect have not been successful. The study of this formal structure is a preparation for the elaboration of a theory of concepts that allows the description of the combination of concepts.
Self‐organization, knowledge and responsibility
Authors: Fuchs Christian , Hofkirchner Wolfgang
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to consider knowledge production as a social self‐organization process, to clarify ethical implications of such an approach, and to relate it to the thinking of Heinz von Foerster.

Design/methodology/approach

The method employed is the one of dialectical constructions, i.e. existing contradicting approaches on knowledge research are identified and classified and a constructive synthesis of these approaches is made.

Findings

Since Heinz von Foerster's pioneering work, information‐generating systems are considered to be self‐organizing systems. We see knowledge as only a particular kind of information: it is the manifestation of information in the social realm. Thus, the creation of social information is due to the self‐organization of social systems. Heinz von Foerster has given us some indications of how knowledge and self‐organization could be applied to society. In this paper, we try to sketch a position of our own while taking into consideration Heinz von Foerster's relevant ideas.

Practical implications

The research results in this paper imply that a knowledge‐based society can only survive if it is designed in a participatory and socially and ecologically sustainable way. Hence a practical implication is that participation and co‐operation need to be advanced in order to guarantee human development.

Originality/value

The innovative aspect of the paper is that it suggests that all social self‐organizing systems are knowledge‐producing systems and that considering knowledge as a co‐operative process implies responsibility for solving the global social problems. It combines knowledge research and systems thinking based on ideas on self‐organization by Heinz von Foerster in order to describe social systems.
Autonomy: starting point and goal of personal and social change
Authors: Schaurhofer Martin , Peschl Markus F.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Empowerment describes the processes of how to gain and increase autonomy and self‐determination in one's own environment. Typical examples for empowerment processes can be found in: citizen's initiatives, human rights movements, and other social movements or self help groups. This paper shows that empowerment processes have to be understood as “knowledge processes”. A link between empowerment and the methods of knowledge management will be established. It is inspired by Heinz von Foersters ideas of self‐regulated processes in nervous systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In a first step the concept of empowerment will be presented. Secondly, it will be shown which role knowledge is playing in this context. In the last part practical implications of these considerations will be discussed.

Findings

The motivation for engaging in civil society issues is heavily dependent on personal knowledge and on the abilities to access knowledge resources. A constructivist paradigm turns out to be fertile. Discovering one's own strengths, constructing solutions, testing them in the personal context and environment, as well as reflecting these processes are the starting points for developing a constructivist perspective on empowerment processes.

Practical implications

Coaching empowerment processes in a knowledge‐oriented framework can focus on the construction of personal strength, can create space for experimental action and also for reflecting on social and political processes. This provides opportunities for exchange of experiences and fosters second‐order views.

Originality/value

H.v.Foerster's concepts on change and autonomy are the foundation for this constructivist approach to empowerment. This could be a helpful approach for supporting affected people in every empowerment process.
What I learned from Heinz von Foerster about the construction of science
Authors: Umpleby Stuart A.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To report on an empirical study in psycholinguistics that revealed a difference between European and American patterns of thinking and to provide a brief history of a 30‐year effort to modify the philosophy of science in order to make it more suitable as a guide to doing research in the social sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

Assesses the approach of Heinz von Foerster, who used a deductive approach to science rather than an American empirical approach. Furthermore, von Foerster was willing to modify not only science but also the philosophy of science. By proposing that scientists pay attention to the observer as well as the observed, he added a dimension to the philosophy of science, which affects all disciplines.

Findings

Proposes an additional dimension that might be added to the philosophy of science. Paying attention to both the observer and the receiving society suggests a communication metaphor rather than the photograph metaphor, which has prevailed in the philosophy of science. Examining the philosophical underpinnings of science rather than just testing or extending an existing theory is a type of inquiry that springs from von Foerster's enthusiasm for tackling interesting problems unimpeded by disciplinary boundaries.

Originality/value

An assessment of the contribution to the multidisciplinary approach to science of von Foerster.
A peaceful coexistence of epistemologies – philosophy from the constructivist's point of view
Authors: Kordeš Urban
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To explore possible innovations that constructivism and its epistemological participatory position offer to philosophy, in particular to the age‐old problem of grounding epistemological assumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows von Foerster's account of the participatory position as an epistemological stance. It tries to explain why it is called a “position” rather than “insight” or “theory”. Constructivist (participatory) concepts are explored and related to “classical” philosophical debates such as the “Münchhausen trilemma”. In the conclusion the paper sketches possible ways of how to apply the answers of the participatory position to the philosophical discourse.

Findings

The paper points at the possibility to go beyond the insurmountable boundaries dividing different epistemological positions one continuously encounters when searching for the appropriate epistemological starting point. As a result, one cannot expect answers to be universally valid. The paper takes that into consideration. It argues that most philosophical attempts are first order changes (revolutions) as they seek truth and exclude alternative views at the same time. Following von Foerster, the paper suggests second order changes that lead from truth to trust. This transition allows a peaceful coexistence of all philosophical systems. Turning from truth (and belief in analytical clarity) to trust and, consequently, from objectivity to responsibility, it may become possible to transcend the epistemological barriers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to finding a possible direction for the future of discourses in philosophy and many humanities in order to overcome the incompetence of philosophy of finding final answers.
Advertising of controversial products:a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Waller David S. , Fam Kim‐Shyan , Zafer Erdogan B.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine attitudes towards the advertising of certain controversial products/services and reasons for being offensive across four different countries, Malaysia, New Zealand, Turkey and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This was achieved by analyzing the responses to a questionnaire that was distributed to a convenience sample of university students in the four countries. A total of 954 were sampled for this study. The results indicated that geography is not a major determinant of attitudes, and that religious and historical factors play a very important role.

Findings

Of the 17 products presented, 11 resulted in similar answers for New Zealand and the UK, and seven were similar for Malaysia and Turkey. However, it was apparent that the two countries mostly populated by Muslims had some differences as Malaysia has a multicultural society that must make some allowances for other ethnic groups. It also appears that racism and racist images are of concern to all those sampled.

Originality/value

The opening up of regional markets and the development of regional and global media, such as satellite television and the internet, will mean that marketers will try to take advantage of the associated benefits of a standardized approach to advertising and promotional activities. For those involved in international marketing, it is important that they are aware of possible differences and cultural sensitivities when entering a new market or undertaking a standardized mass‐media campaign across a region, whether it be Australasia or Europe.
Guilty through association: brand association transfer to brand alliances
Authors: James David
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Understanding brand associations and their role in the formation of attitude towards brands is necessary for managers to understand fully the dynamics of their brands and how consumers evaluate and make brand choices. This research paper aims to explore the role of brand associations in the formation of an attitude towards a brand alliance.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of hypothetical alliances using real brands were presented to undergraduate students. Data were gathered from a series of open‐ended free associations for the brands alone and in their alliances, and structured questions regarding quality and likelihood of purchase for the alliance attitude rating.

Findings

The study identified that brand associations, which are positive on an individual basis, can change when transferred to a new product category with a brand partner. Alliances with poor overall attitudes were often linked to associations of attributes of the original product class, whereas alliances with strong attitudes were linked to favourable associations related to the fit between the alliance partners.

Originality/value

The value of this study is that it has identified that consumers can become “locked in” to brand‐specific associations that may be hard to shift in a brand leverage strategy. Therefore, practitioners should factor into their decisions about whether or not to form a brand alliance not only concrete measures, but also the abstract nature of brand associations. This study focused on consumer brands and hypothetical alliances and used students as a sample. Different findings may therefore be found using non‐student samples, services brand or business‐to‐business brands.
Collaborative structure between Japanese high‐tech manufacturers and consumers
Authors: Washida Yuichi
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This is a study that aims to explore a new conception of marketing management based on the analyses of the demand side in Japanese high‐tech industries. Currently, due to the rapid development of technologies, conventional marketing and management methodologies sometimes cannot explain why emerging technologies and new usage diffuse epidemically among consumers in a short time.

Design/methodology/approach

As a major example of successful technological development, this study focuses on a collaborative structure between Japanese high‐tech manufacturers and two types of consumer communities, “otaku” and “kogal.” The paper explores a hypothesis that each of the two consumer communities gives a different type of feedback to the manufacturers, and thus Japanese manufacturers can develop and improve their products very efficiently.

Findings

Japanese management has been understood as “kaizen,” – a management way to improve the efficiency of the supply side. However, today's Japanese high‐tech companies focus relatively on the demand side and have found interesting dynamics of consumer behaviors which can make one technology more valuable and useful in the daily lives. The paper also shows a comparative framework from the viewpoint of the user‐collaboration to contrast the basic difference of management styles among the USA, Europe, and Japan, and suggests that each company in each region can use other region's collaboration dynamics to develop its products, or build a technological standard more efficiently.

Originality/value

The hypothesis and framework in this paper can be expected to fill a vacuum in studies on Japanese management after the 1990s, as a successor to “kaizen” methodology.
Teachers' perception about the behaviours of school leaders with regard to knowledge management
Authors: Celep Cevat , Çetin Buket
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This research aims to find out teachers' perception about the behaviors of their school leaders with regard to knowledge management, and the changes in teachers' opinion considering their sex, age, educational level, experiment and tenure.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the research is primary schools teachers in Edirne, Turkey. A total of 430 questionnaires were evaluated. The scale developed to identify elementary school teachers' perception about knowledge management practices at their schools is based on four other different scales: “Know‐all 50: Knowledge Management Assessment”, “Knowledge Management Framework Assessment Exercise”, “Assessing Readiness for Managing Knowledge Assets”, and “Working with Knowledge”.

Findings

Findings of the research suggest that there are seven existing sub‐dimensions of knowledge management at schools in Turkey, namely: leadership, cultural structure, knowledge hubs and centers, tacit knowledge, explicit knowledge, knowledge vision, and learning culture. In addition to this, there is a significant relationship between the different sub‐dimensions of knowledge management and whether teachers have e‐mail addresses of their own, their schools have internet connection (for external knowledge), web site, computer network (for internal knowledge) and whether the school has a subscription to professional publications.

Originality/value

The researches in different countries show that knowledge management has nine sub‐dimensions but in Turkey there are seven. This scale needs to be applied to different organizational settings in order to be validated nationwide.
Developing and implementing an online doctoral programme
Authors: Combe Colin
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This article is a critical reflection of the development and implementation of one of the first online doctoral programmes in the UK set up at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

The method adopted for analysis takes the form of a case study.

Findings

Effective market research has to be undertaken to fully understand what students need and expect from an online programme of study. Course providers need to identify highly motivated students. Second, critical success factors focus on a well‐targeted curriculum that provides the skills and knowledge relevant to student needs, backed by exceptional faculty who provide innovative course design. Finally, there is a need for integrating the management, teaching and technical team to ensure a high quality and coherent programme delivery.

Practical implications

The reflections in this article can be used as a guide by other faculties wishing to develop online programmes. The article highlights some of the pitfalls of developing and implementing online course delivery and proposes adopting instructional guides as an aid to course design.

Originality/value

The article provides an original insight into some of the operational, technical and managerial issues relevant to delivering an effective online programme of study at an advanced level.
Determinants of business student satisfaction and retention in higher education: applying Herzberg's two‐factor theory
Authors: DeShields Oscar W. , Kara Ali , Kaynak Erdener
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper focuses on the determinants of student satisfaction and retention in a college or university that are assumed to impact students' college experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using empirical data and Herzberg's two‐factor theory, a modified version of the questionnaire developed by Keaveney and Young was administered to approximately 160 undergraduate business students at a state university in South Central Pennsylvania. Using path analysis, the hypothesized effects were tested empirically by incorporating a comprehensive set of independent variables and self‐reported experiential assessments to predict experience, which in turn related to student satisfaction.

Findings

The results indicate that the path coefficients from faculty and classes to students' partial college experience are consistent with the assumption that these are key factors that influence student partial college experience. Also, the path coefficient from student partial college experience to satisfaction was consistent with Herzberg's two‐factor theory. In addition, students who have a positive college experience are more likely to be satisfied with the college or university than students who do not have a positive college experience.

Research limitations/implications

By focusing on antecedents of student satisfaction, colleges and universities can align their organizational structure, processes and procedures to become more customer‐oriented. Small sample size and self‐explicated retention data are the limitations of this study.

Practical implications

It is recommended in this study that the changing nature of the higher education marketplace encourages college administrators to apply the customer‐oriented principles that are used in profit‐making institutions.

Originality/value

Using a satisfaction model and a comprehensive set of independent variables and self‐reported experiential assessments to predict experience, this paper provides empirical findings to understand student satisfaction in higher education institutions.
Student perceptions of school culture and achievement: testing the invariance of a model
Authors: Marcoulides George A. , Heck Ronald H. , Papanastasiou Constantinos
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This study examined the generalizability of a previously validated model concerning how student perceptions of school culture affect student achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data were collected from 1,026 eighth‐grade students in secondary schools on the island of Cyprus. The a priori proposed model concerning school culture and student achievement was tested using structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

The proposed model was determined to fit the data reasonably well. These results indicate that achievement scores can be explained by students' perceptions of the school's cultural environment.

Originality/value

The theoretical and practical implications of the model concerning school culture and student achievement within the framework of educational management are discussed.
Consumerism in education
Authors: Freeman Ina , Thomas Michael
Published: March 2005

Purpose

With the emergence of the knowledge economy different countries are responding with changes within their tertiary education systems. Education is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone to the continued growth of a country but with the globalization of business is education becoming a commodity?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines educational policies and their implementation within the UK and Canada.

Findings

This paper finds that education in the UK has become a commercial product within the international arena, unlike Canada where tertiary education has remained a domestic pursuit.

Originality/value

This paper engages in a controversy that questions whether the economic value to a nation of education is found only in the numbers of students or can be enlarged to include the results of the education for the students.
The leadership role of women in social regeneration in the UK
Authors: Maddock Su
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Proposes that arguing for greater access for women is essential but not sufficient to drive equality or the spirit of diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Explores the role that women and others can play in broadening agendas and in transforming managerial and regeneration practices.

Findings

A few innovative chief executives are leading the way and showing what transforming leadership is about in practice. In spite of this the intransigent lack of diversity within decision‐making bodies produces a brake on positive social change.

Originality/value

Provides an insight into the leadership role of women in social regeneration.
Strategic superboards: improved network management processes for regeneration?
Authors: Johnson Carole
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to present a critical discussion of two UK case studies through which a “third way” modernisation of regeneration policies has been identified as a world‐wide trend.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides case studies that represent attempts at creating “strategic superboards”: the first, local strategic partnerships (LSPs) is a national programme and the second, the regeneration zones (RZs), is peculiar to a specific region in the UK. Network management theory is used to analyse how regeneration partnerships, as networked organisations, are managed. The focus is on the institutional design rules used to achieve decentralisation, balance and joining‐up.

Findings

Although the findings show that the programmes' institutional design was potentially improved, the partnerships' achievements fell short of their objectives. It is concluded that a key factor in this failure is the continuing partial approach by central government in managing the networks. As a result these partnerships found it difficult to operate within the new institutional designs.

Originality/value

Highlights that there has been an absence of attention to management in network situations by UK academics that is not shared by our UK and European counterparts.
The management of local government modernisation
Authors: Coaffee Jon , Johnston Lorraine
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Seeks to analyse the complexity of current practices surrounding the management and governance of urban regeneration activities in the UK. In particular, aims to focus on the potential of initiatives decentralised to the sub‐local level that have been designed both to effectively manage public service provision and to improve citizen participation in local government management decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Explores the early experiences of local authorities' attempts to introduce “area committees” in line with the complex “modernisation” agendas advanced by the “New Labour” government under an overarching project of “new localism”.

Findings

Highlights that new attempts at devolving power and responsibility to these sub‐local structures should be more flexible to local conditions rather than directed by national policy.

Originality/value

Argues for a “middle way” to be adopted in managing local government and governance changes in order to develop a more “pragmatic localism”.