bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artists' books: managing the unmanageable
Authors: Farman Nola
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The artists' book is a hybrid art form: it has no home, no shelf upon which to comfortably reside. Nor is its readership easily described or accounted for. It is a book art form that is in transition; it is still evolving. This paper maps attempts to define the artists' book and explains why definitions fall short and what the slipperiness of the form might imply for library collections.

Design/methodology/approach

This article has been informed by a literature search, the examination of special collections of artists' books in libraries in Europe, the UK, North America and Australia as well as negotiations with librarians to acquire books.

Findings

The artists' book as a minor genre within both art and literature is also an interdisciplinary practice: as such is difficult to manage and display within the conventional library system.

Originality/value

This article suggests an approach to the inclusion of the artists' book in special library collections.
Business activities and information needs of SMEs in northern Uganda
Authors: Okello‐Obura Constant , Minishi‐Majanja M.K. , Cloete Linda , Ikoja‐Odongo J.R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This article is a result of part of a doctoral study in the University of South Africa on the topic business information systems (BIS) design for Uganda's economic development: the case of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in northern Uganda conducted between 2004 and 2007. The study was conducted to establish the characteristics of the SMEs, business activities, business information needs and recommend the important business information needs required for BIS for poor country or region. It was carried out on the assumption that businesses in northern Uganda are lagging behind because of lack of a BIS that could facilitate efficient and effective business information access. This article aims to discuss this subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The descriptive survey research design was used to collect the required data using structured questionnaires and semi‐structured interview guide. A sample size of 251 SMEs, 75 information providers and 25 business policy makers in northern Uganda were used. Quantitative data obtained were analysed using Epi Info and SPSS while the qualitative data by use of content analysis technique.

Findings

The findings reveal that SMEs in northern Uganda have varying background and are engaged in diverse/varied business activities with varying business information needs that require a multifaceted approach in the provision of business information. The study recommends that a BIS unique to the SMEs in northern Uganda be designed to provide among others business legal information, business technical information, business economic information, business contacts information and business management skills information.

Originality/value

No research has been carried out on the business information activities and needs of SMEs in northern Uganda with a view to design BIS. The findings of the study will help to shape the planning and implementation of strategic interventions to transform northern Uganda using information as a catalyst for development.
The management of absence: why it matters
Authors: MacLean A.D.B.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to give an overview of some ongoing research into absence management practices in a UK university library. The aim of the research in question is to evaluate the effectiveness of current management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research collected quantitative data over time and the present paper presents a summary of findings and recommendations to practitioners in the same field.

Findings

The research findings indicate that the use of return to work interviews after each absence through illness contributes to the reduction in absence levels. The research recommends that firm guidelines be used to ensure consistency in approach; that employee awareness is increased of their own responsibility to attend for work wherever possible. Where a culture of absenteeism exists, it is suggested that appropriate management strategies can produce a culture of attendance. Within academic libraries, this is possible where there is an involvement of human resource departments, with a structure for referring employees, where applicable, to occupational health. This work highlights the need for employers to get value for money from their library resources and recommends absence management as an important component in any agenda for change.

Research limitations/implications

Given the potential sensitivity of the subject area, the anonymity of members of staff had to be a priority, therefore, some of the data analysis could not be carried out as in‐depth as may have been optimally desirable.

Practical implications

The present research provides case study experience for other practitioners, and suggests some recommendations for library managers.

Originality/value

The present research highlights the dearth of literature or benchmarking facilities on absence management within library and information services (LIS). The research is therefore exploratory in nature and goes some way to address the research gap.
Sheepskin effects by cohorts in Colombia
Authors: Mora Jhon James , Muro Juan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss sheepskin effects in Colombia based on repeated cross‐section or pseudo panel data using cohorts in seven larges cities in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

A Pseudo Panel Data methodology is used as the basis for determining and testing sheepskin effects using labor market microdata in Colombia in the time period from 1996 to 2000.

Findings

Empirical evidence suggests that there are additional salary increases of 14 percent for individuals who hold a secondary degree and approximately 26 percent for holders of university degrees in Colombia.

Originality/value

Testing sheepskin effects based on pseudo panel data using cohorts.
The influence of supplier capabilities and technology uncertainty on manufacturer‐supplier collaboration
Authors: Oh Joongsan , Rhee Seung‐Kyu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the manufacturer‐supplier collaboration (MSC) types in the automotive industry and factors that affect such collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The unit of analysis is 1st tier suppliers registered with Hyundai‐KIA Motors Corporation (HKMC); a survey was conducted targeting these 1st tier suppliers. Then, hypotheses were tested using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Findings

First, five distinct MSC types were identified as follows: collaborative communication, collaboration in new car development, collaborative problem solving, strategic purchasing, and supplier development. Second, contrary to previous studies, suppliers' customer proliferation capability is found to affect MSC positively. Of suppliers' capabilities, flexibility, dependability improvement, module, design, and 2nd tier supplier development/coordination capabilities affect MSC positively. Third, while technology uncertainty is found to have a significant moderating effect on the influence supplier capabilities exercise over collaborative problem solving and strategic purchasing, it has no direct impact on any MSC type.

Research limitations/implications

Sampling is limited to a relatively small number of HKMC's 1st tier suppliers. Of note is that this study examined factors affecting MSC, focusing on supplier capabilities. In terms of methodology, surveys, and interviews were conducted concurrently to ensure reliability of results.

Practical implications

First tier suppliers can review their MSC activities and identify which capabilities they need to develop in order to strengthen their MSC with due consideration of technology uncertainty. Auto manufacturers can also benefit from the empirically tested MSC typologies.

Originality/value

This study not only considered technology uncertainty as a moderator of the impact that supplier capabilities have on MSC, but also improved the understanding of MSC through empirical examination.
The asymmetry of the price impact of block trades and the bid‐ask spread
Authors: Gregoriou Andros
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the price impact of block trades for FTSE 100 firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using event studies a sample of 1.6 million block purchases and 1.2 million block sales over the time period 1998‐2005 is analysed.

Findings

Once block price effects are estimated using quote returns to eliminate bid‐ask bias, the asymmetry in buyer and seller initiated trades is eliminated.

Research limitations/implications

A possible avenue for future research may be to look at the impact of inflation on the asymmetry between block purchases and sales. This may be an interesting extension to the current study given that inflation appears to be an important determinant of the equity premium in international stock markets.

Practical implications

The empirical results suggest that market liquidity is one of the factors that is driving the asymmetry between block purchases and sales on the London Stock Exchange. The paper is of interest to academics and practitioners who study and invest in block trades.

Originality/value

This is the first study of the UK stock market to encapsulate bid‐ask biases in block trades.
Benefits management in office fit‐out projects
Authors: Baccarini D. , Bateup G.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how benefits management is applied to office fit‐out projects, in terms of benefits identification, benefits planning, benefits control and benefits realisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Three case studies, based in Perth (Western Australia) are investigated based on structured interviews with the project sponsor; and analysis of secondary documentation, such as business cases, briefs, and post‐occupancy evaluations.

Findings

There is no coherent, holistic application of benefits management models in office fit‐out projects. There are fragments of benefits management evident from the research, such as benefits identification and planning within business cases and briefs, and benefits realisation through post‐occupancy evaluations.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on three case studies, so it is not possible to draw any strong generalisations. Future studies are needed to corroborate or contradict the findings in this research.

Practical implications

The results highlight some aspects of benefits management in office fit‐out projects that could be improved, particularly the setting of key performance indicators for benefits, and more formal benefits control and realisation processes.

Originality/value

This research is the first to take the construct of benefits management, which is primarily applied to information systems projects, and investigate its application in building projects.
Validation of the particle finite element method (PFEM) for simulation of free surface flows
Authors: Larese A. , Rossi R. , Oñate E. , Idelsohn S.R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibilities of the particle finite element method for simulation of free surface flows.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical simulation of a number of examples for which experimental data are available is performed. The simulations are run using the same scale as the experiment in order to minimize errors due to scale effects. Some examples are chosen from the civil engineering field: a study of the flow over a flip bucket is analyzed for both 2D and 3D models, and the flow under a planar sluice gate is studied in 2D. Other examples, such as a 2D and 3D “dam break” with an obstacle are taken from the smooth particle hydrodynamics literature.

Findings

Different scenarios are simulated by changing the boundary conditions for reproducing flows with the desired characteristics. Different mesh sizes are considered for evaluating their influence on the final solution.

Originality/value

Details of the input data for all the examples studied are given. The aim is to identify benchmark problems for future comparisons between different numerical approaches for free surface flows.
Global social time perspectives in marketing: a strategic reference point theory application
Authors: Harvey Michael G. , Kiessling Timothy S. , Glenn Richey R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The ultimate purpose of this paper it to encourage international business scholars and managers to pay more attention to global social time when performing research and developing business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic reference point (SRP) theory is used as a foundation to assist in visualizing the meaning of social time in a global context. From this grounding point, the authors make specific suggestions about the importance of the topic despite it being largely overlooked in international research dating back to Hofstede.

Findings

Time utility takes on a significantly different meaning when both a marketing manager's context and market are global. The conceptualization of time by different cultures can yield significantly different meanings based upon a culture's SRP(s) as to how social time is measured. Cultural differences necessitate having this flexible orientation towards social time to effectively develop and implement global marketing strategies. This research addresses the importance of breaking‐down the concept of social time into its fundamental dimensions and developing strategic implementation steps using the dimensions of time as competitive tools in the global marketing arena.

Research limitations/implications

A six‐step process is developed to assist marketing researchers and managers in developing social time sensitive marketing strategies. Researchers and managers must be aware of the differences in social time perspectives and should analyze the situation to ascertain differences in the dimensions of each cross cultural group. An effort must be made to combine these varying social time perspectives into a consolidated social time foundation for the marketing team in the host country. Differences in social time must be taken into consideration when developing/executing strategies in other countries that have different social time perspectives.

Originality/value

Breaking new ground in international business, this paper sets the ground work for the future study of up to 12 different streams of research important to the understanding of (global) time in international business. Managerial tools are included in the discussion to assist in international marketing practice.
A categorization approach to analyzing the global consumer culture debate
Authors: Merz Michael A. , He Yi , Alden Dana L.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Given the ongoing globalization debate and lack of agreement about whether consumer cultures are predominantly globalizing, glocalizing, or localizing, the purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework designed to help clarify discussion and facilitate theoretical progress.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating Rosch's categorization theory into the discussion of whether consumer cultures globalize, glocalize, or localize, several propositions can be formulated that help structure this discussion systematically.

Findings

It is demonstrated that arguments for global consumer culture (GCC) are most easily made at the superordinate level. However, their strength (versus glocal and local consumer culture) at the basic and subordinate levels is moderated by whether meanings associated with the consumption factor are primarily functional or symbolic.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should empirically validate this initial effort. In addition, scholars should examine from a non‐western centric perspective whether GCC is emerging across the different category levels and meaning systems. Furthermore, emic research is needed to examine the emic meanings of the categories herein.

Practical implications

This proposed framework is also designed for marketing managers as a new tool to facilitate their global strategic planning.

Originality/value

This paper moves the GCC culture debate forward by integrating, for the first time, categorization theory into the discussion. This is of value for both academics and practitioners.
A meta‐analysis of effect sizes in international marketing experiments
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Yang Zhilin
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Effect size is an important determinant of statistical power. However, very few experimental studies in international marketing (IM) report effect sizes and no meta‐analysis work in this regard has been done. The main objective of this paper, therefore, is to quantitatively document effect sizes of experiments in IM and to provide directions for further methodological improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

All articles published in the top three marketing journals and the top six IM‐related journals during the period 1992‐2005 were screened; this yielded 35 experiment‐based papers within the domain of IM. For each study, ten methodological characteristics relevant to IM experimental designs were coded.

Findings

The 35 studies reported 68 experiments, which produced a total of 1, 074 observations. Results reveal that, on average, for experiments in international business marketing, about 2.89 percent of the variance in a dependent variable (DV) is accounted for by experimental treatments, and a variance of 3.61 percent is shared by the independent and DV for experiments in international consumer marketing. Sampling method, type of subjects, type of design and number of countries are found to have significant influences on effect sizes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a quantitative, state‐of‐the‐art review of effect sizes in IM experiments, points out problems such as inappropriate reliance on an overall effect size index, and further offers useful suggestions on how to report and improve effect sizes.
A cross‐cultural validation of a gender role identity scale in marketing
Authors: Schertzer Susan M.B. , Laufer Daniel , Silvera David H. , Brad McBride J.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the cross‐cultural efficacy of a gender identity scale commonly used in marketing: the shortened version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) measure developed by Barak and Stern, the Gender Trait Index (GTI).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in the USA, Mexico, and Norway, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the cross‐cultural equivalence of the GTI.

Findings

Configural, metric and partial scalar invariance of a revised 16‐item measure were supported.

Originality/value

The validated 16‐item GTI scale will enhance measurement applications and theory building in cross‐cultural research, and further the authors' understanding of the role that gender identity plays in consumer decision making.
Mandatory audit firm rotation and audit quality
Authors: Jackson Andrew B. , Moldrich Michael , Roebuck Peter
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect that a regime of mandatory audit firm rotation would have on audit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using two measures of audit quality, being the propensity to issue a going‐concern report and the level of discretionary accruals, the paper examines the switching patterns of clients in their current voluntary switching capacity, and the levels of audit quality.

Findings

The main finding is that audit quality increases with audit firm tenure, when proxied by the propensity to issue a going‐concern opinion, and is unaffected when proxied by the level of discretionary expenses. Given the additional costs associated with switching auditors, it is concluded that there are minimal, if any, benefits of mandatory audit firm rotation.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that only actual audit quality is examined. While the results suggest that actual audit quality is associated with the length of audit tenure, the perception of audit quality is not addressed, which may increase with audit firm rotation.

Originality/value

The results go against the move towards mandatory audit firm rotation, and suggest that other initiatives may need to be considered to address concerns about auditor independence and audit quality.
The development of accounting regulations in Egypt
Authors: Kamal Hassan Mostafa
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to understand the processes of setting accounting standards in a developing country in transition, namely Egypt. It explores the social, political as well as economic forces that underlie the development of financial accounting regulations implemented throughout two longitudinal periods; starting with the beginning of socialism and extending to liberalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on in‐depth interviews and an analysis of documents. It relies on the institutional theory notions of coercive, mimic and normative isomorphic mechanisms to link the changes in the financial accounting regulations to the changes in the wider social and institutional context wherein organizations operate, while, at the same time, exploring the legitimation processes underlying the development of domestic accounting standards similar to the International Accounting Standards (IASs).

Findings

The paper finds that the major changes in the state's political philosophy, the regulators' motivations and the processes of the accountancy profession provided a momentum to the formulation of Egyptian Accounting Standards (EAS). Though similar to IASs, they were acted upon to overcome the pre‐existing socialist accounting practices, while, at same time, increasing organizational members' adherence to the processes of privatization.

Research limitations/implications

Although the empirical findings suggest that “globalization forces” through technical as well as financial assistance programmes created pressures during the standard‐setting processes, a full investigation and explanation of such pressures are an area of future research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of how IASs are diffused in a country in transition and the role of these standards during that country's transformation processes towards the market economy.
Integrated optical and electronic interconnect printed circuit board manufacturing
Authors: Selviah David R. , Aníbal Fernández F. , Papakonstantinou Ioannis , Wang Kai , Bagshiahi Hadi , Walker Andy C. , McCarthy Aongus , Suyal Himanshu , Hutt David A. , Conway Paul P. , Chappell John , Zakariyah Shefiu S. , Milward Dave
Published: May 2008

Purpose

To introduce the Innovative Electronics Manufacturing Research Centre Flagship Project: Integrated Optical and Electronic Interconnect PCB Manufacturing, its objectives, its consortium of three universities and ten companies and to describe the university research being carried out. This paper briefly reviews the motivation for developing novel polymer formulations, fabrication techniques, layout design rules and characterisation techniques for hybrid electronic and optical printed circuit boards (PCBs) using multimode polymer optical waveguide interconnects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors are investigating a number of different fabrication techniques which they compare with each other and with modelled calculations of waveguide components. The fabrication techniques include photolithography, laser ablation, direct laser writing, embossing, extrusion and ink jet printing.

Findings

A number of design rules for polymer multimode waveguides have been found and published. Techniques for ink jetting polymer to print waveguides and laser ablation techniques have been developed. New formulations of polymer which cure faster for direct writing have also been developed.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is needed to thicken the ink jet printed polymer and to investigate side wall roughness of the ablated waveguides and development of new polymer formulations for dry film. Further research is also needed on construction of prototype system demonstrators.

Practical implications

The fabrication techniques being developed are designed to be transferred to industrial PCB manufacturers to enable them to make higher value optical PCBs. The design rules being discovered are being entered into commercial PCB layout software to aid designers of optical PCBs.

Originality/value

The paper is of interest to PCB manufacturers who wish to upgrade their processes to be able to manufacture optical PCBs. The university research is original and some has been published as shown in the publications in the reference list.
Human rights of migrant women workers in janitorial services and night clubs
Authors: Güven‐Lisaniler Fatma , Uğural Sevin , Rodríguez Leopoldo
Published: May 2008

Purpose

To discuss the gender dimension of migration and human rights, and to provide an assessment of how to improve human rights protections for migrant women workers in janitorial services and night clubs across registered and unregistered migrant women workers in North Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is done to establish the employment conditions of migrant women workers in both sectors. The conditions are evaluated to assess the compliance with North Cyprus labor and immigration legislation and international human rights protocols.

Findings

Registered and unregistered segment of the janitorial services and unregistered segment of sex industry are dominated by Turkish migrant women. The registered part of sex industry is dominated by Eastern European migrant women mostly due to the legislative framework within which these two activities operate, primarily with respect to immigration requirements and also as it pertains to the remunerative potential of activity. No evidences of human rights abuses of Turkish immigrants in either segment of the cleaning services sector are founded but lack of knowledge of their conditions in unregistered sex work. Eastern European migrants working in the registered segment of the sex industry suffer human rights and basic migrant rights abuses at the hands of the state and the employer.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of knowledge of Turkish migrant women workers' conditions in unregistered segment of sex work limits the findings of the research. A survey across unregistered Turkish sex workers is suggested for future research.

Practical implications

Legalization of commercial sex among registered konsomatrices would provide an opportunity for labor rights legislation to be fully applied to their primary income‐earning activities. Most of the human and immigrant rights violations are the result of legislation applied to nightclubs and work visas for konsomatrices. Improvements in the legislation and work visas for konsomatrices would guarantee the women to have access to assistance in case of human rights violations.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical suggestion for the improvement of human rights protections for migrant women workers in North Cyprus.
Combining faith and CSR: a paradigm of corporate sustainability
Authors: Teck Hui Loi
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Engaging corporate social responsibility (CSR) is essential to attain corporate sustainability. This paper aims to take the CSR from the viewpoints of a believing system, Christianity in an attempt to bridge a gap in the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Through related literature reviews, research questions asked and grounding in the Christians' sacred text, the author seek to explore the Christians' social responsibilities and their relatedness to the CSR.

Findings

This paper highlights the interlocking principles – honoring God, one's neighbor, God's creation, great commissions and eternality concept – that shape the Christians' fundamental approaches toward their social responsibilities. These collective faith driven principles would redefine the existing CSR conceptions in a refined form that the author call a faith‐based CSR.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the applications of the faith‐based CSR in the areas of corporate philanthropy, environmental preservation and social reporting. The faith‐based CSR is inherently beneficial to the firms and their stakeholders. It refines the organizational paradigms on the business competition, and uncovers a corporate sustainability paradigm otherwise hidden to managers and scholars.

Originality/value

The Christians have significant presence in both developed and emerging nations. Their worldviews on the social responsibility, consequently, would have influenced the CSR practices of firms. Given the scant attentions paid to explore the intersection between a believing system and the business ethics, this paper can make a unique contribution to the area of CSR literature.
Evolution of a summer research/writing workshop for first‐year university students
Authors: Guise Janneka L. , Goosney Janet , Gordon Shannon , Pretty Heather
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to describe a framework for a summer research/writing workshop for new university students, and its evolution over time and across institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The University of Toronto at Scarborough (UTSC) has successfully offered its award‐winning two‐day Summer Learning Institute on Research, Writing and Presentation Skills for four years (2004‐2007), to increasing enrolments. Memorial University of Newfoundland (Memorial) adapted the UTSC model and successfully piloted its four‐day workshop, Summer Program in Academic Research and Communication (SPARC), in August 2006. Both programs were low‐cost, non‐credit summer workshops for new students to help them prepare for university‐level research and writing. Memorial offered its program a second time in August 2007. This paper focuses on the Memorial experience.

Findings

The success of these programs is attributed to a common framework used in each case: program planning, marketing, and delivery and assessment.

Practical implications

The framework described in this paper could be adapted by other institutions wishing to implement such a program. In addition, the SPARC team will continually improve the program by reflecting on each part of the framework.

Originality/value

Much research has been done to identify and address the specific needs of first‐year university students. For example, some institutions offer “first year experience” courses for credit, while others place first‐year students into Interest Groups. Most academic libraries offer information literacy sessions to groups of undergraduate students during the regular semester. This paper presents a model for reaching first year studentsbeforethey take their first class at university.
IFLA WLIC 2007 Durban, South Africa
Authors: Madge Bruce
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the World Library and Information Congress: 73rd IFLA General Conference and Council.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an outline of the issues, content, speakers, participants, social networking and location of this conference.

Findings

This conference commenced with a powerful keynote speaker who set the tone for the rest of the conference. The World Congress was very informative, useful and provided wonderful international networking opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper provides a report of the major annual international conference of value to international information and library professionals.
Positive and negative brand beliefs and brand defection/uptake
Authors: Winchester Maxwell , Romaniuk Jenni , Bogomolova Svetlana
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to conduct an exploratory study into how positive and negative brand belief levels differ before, and change after, consumers defect from a brand or take up a new brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Two longitudinal studies in banking and insurance were used. These included repeat interviews with the same consumers. Brand buying behaviour and positive and negative brand beliefs were measured and then compared across those who defected from a brand and those who took up a new brand.

Findings

Prior to defection, differences in both positive and negative perceptions were apparent in those who subsequently defected. There was also evidence of a readjustment after defection to match the new user status. There was evidence that this readjustment did not just occur in the behaviour change period, but continued to occur afterwards, with differences over time much greater for the longer time frame interview than evident for the shorter time frame. Negative beliefs were more discriminating when the defection was customer‐initiated rather than during a renewal process. New brand users displayed a higher propensity to give positive beliefs prior to taking up the brand compared to non‐users who did not take up the brand. These changes further continued post‐switching as new users adjusted to their new status.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of the brand belief‐behaviour relationship using two very different longitudinal studies. It also investigates negative brand beliefs, which are rarely researched, and compares the effects of negative beliefs with that of positive beliefs.
The attractiveness and connectedness of ruthless brands: the role of trust
Authors: Power John , Whelan Susan , Davies Gary
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the impact of ruthless image on the attractiveness and connectedness of corporate brands. It proposes a model that trust mediates the influence of a ruthless image on these outcomes. The study aims to build upon previous theory which suggests that not all brands with negative aspects to their images are destined to receive negative consumer responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was adopted to examine consumer responses to ruthless brand image, including five focus groups to uncover successful brands with strong ruthless associations and 680 personal face‐to‐face surveys in which respondents were interviewed about one of four brands.

Findings

The paper provides empirical support that the mediating role of trust is critical to the development of favourable outcomes where negative brand associations exist. No significant direct links between ruthlessness, attractiveness and connectedness were identified – only an indirect effect via trust.

Research limitations/implications

The chosen research approach may reduce the generalisablity of the results. Further empirical testing using alternative brands and outcome measures is encouraged.

Practical implications

Strategic brand implications are outlined which argue that brands with negative images can be successful, profitable and often the market leader. The importance of leader image to disguise the ruthlessness of the corporate brands is discussed.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study favourable consumer attitudes in the context of brands with negative associations.
Children's use of brand symbolism
Authors: Nairn Agnes , Griffin Christine , Gaya Wicks Patricia
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to offer a critique of the Piagetian developmental cognitive psychology model which dominates research into children and brand symbolism, and to propose consumer culture theory as an alternative approach. The paper also aims to present the design and interpretation of an empirical study into the roles brands play in the everyday lives of junior school children, which demonstrates the richness of this alternative framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The key literature on children and brand symbolism is reviewed and the main concepts from consumer culture theory are introduced. A two‐stage qualitative study involving 148 children aged 7‐11 is designed using group discussions and a novel cork‐board sorting exercise. Findings from group discussions with 56 children in stage 2 of the study are analysed from a consumer culture theory perspective.

Findings

The analysis focuses on two aspects of the ways in which children use brand symbols in their everyday lives: their fluid interpretations of “cool” in relation to brand symbols, and the constitution of gender in children's talk about iconic brands, notably on “torturing Barbie”.

Research limitations/implications

A key aim of this paper is to critique an existing framework and introduce an alternative perspective, so the analysis offered is necessarily partial at this stage. Future research could also use a consumer culture approach to investigate the role of brands in the everyday lives of children with differential access to financial resources, children from different ethnic groups, and children from different parts of the world.

Originality/value

The introduction of a new framework for researching children and brands offers a host of possibilities for academics and practitioners to understand the effects of brand symbols on the lives of today's children, including a more informed approach to socially responsible marketing. This is also the first study to apply consumer culture theory to children's consumption behaviour. Studying consumption practice from the child's viewpoint offers exciting new angles for the development of this theoretical perspective.
The role of emotion in explaining consumer satisfaction and future behavioural intention
Authors: Martin David , O'Neill Martin , Hubbard Susan , Palmer Adrian
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Service quality and customer satisfaction have traditionally been conceptualised and measured using cognitive indicators. This paper aims to build on the body of literature that recognises the role of emotions in determining customer satisfaction and future behavioural intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus for this study was a football stadium in which respondents' evaluation of “off pitch” service quality was investigated in the context of emotions aroused by “on pitch” activities. A time‐elapsed three‐stage survey was used to evaluate the respondents and any changes over time.

Findings

In a survey of 407 match attendees, emotionally‐based satisfaction was found to be a better predictor of future behavioural intention than cognitive measures of satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the need to use both emotional and cognitive measures of satisfaction when evaluating overall customer satisfaction and future behavioural intention. It also highlights the unique nature of customer satisfaction in a sporting events venue.
A new higher education marketing mix: the 7Ps for MBA marketing
Authors: Ivy Jonathan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new marketing mix based on MBA students' attitudes and opinions towards the marketing initiatives of business schools in South Africa. The post‐graduate business education market is, and increasingly, getting more aggressive in their efforts to attract students on to their flagship degree, the MBA. The traditional marketing tools historically grouped into 4Ps (product, price, place and promotion), 5Ps (adding people) and 7Ps (adding physical facilities and processes) may be wanting in this market.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was a quantitative survey of students registered at state subsidized universities in South Africa.

Findings

The factor analysed data showed seven quite distinct underlying factors in the marketing activities of these business schools, some covering the same elements of the traditional marketing mix: people, promotion, and price. There were, however, four different elements: programme, prominence, prospectus, and premiums.

Research limitations/implications

While the survey included only MBA students from a sample drawn in South Africa, the study does highlight the fact that the traditional services marketing mix may not be as useful to the higher education sector as it might have been originally thought.

Practical implications

The development of marketing strategy may be better served by this 7P model rather than the services mix.

Originality/value

This paper presents the underlying factors that form the basis of a new marketing mix specifically for MBA recruitment.
Green Owl and the Corn Maiden
Authors: Dillard Jesse , Reynolds MaryAnn
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage a different notion of feminism in accounting by addressing the issues of feminism, balance, and integration as a means of understanding differently the world for which one accounts. The ideas are communicated by the sharing of experiences through myth and storytelling.

Design/methodology/approach

An alternative lens for understanding the giving of accounts is proposed, drawing on earlier feminist accounting literature as well as storytelling and myth.

Findings

Including the subjective and intersubjective approaches to experiencing and understanding the world recommends an approach whereby both the feminine‐intuitive and the masculine‐rational processes are integrated in constructing decision models and accounts.

Research limitations/implications

Through an expanded view of values that can be included in reporting or recounting a different model is seen, and different decisions are enabled. The primary limitation is having to use words to convey one's subjective and intersubjective understandings. The written medium is not the most natural language for such an undertaking.

Practical implications

By enabling the inclusion of more feminine values, a way is opened to engage more holistically with the society in which decisions are embedded.

Originality/value

Drawing on the storytelling tradition, a holistic model is suggested that can lead to emergence of a more balanced societal reporting.
The Mohammed cartoons controversy and the boycott of Danish products in the Middle East
Authors: Rask Jensen Hans
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper analyses the Mohammed cartoons controversy, the boycott of Danish products in the Middle East, and the consequences for the Danish companies involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives have been achieved by means of a ideology‐critical discourse analysis of Danish newspaper articles on the subject.

Findings

The wider ramifications of an insult and freedom of expression discourse are shown. Managerial consequences of the boycott are outlined forJyllands‐Postenand Arla Foods.

Originality/value

The paper is of value for researchers and managers who want to understand the politicisation of markets and the major consequences for management and marketing strategy.
Manufacturers forming successful complex business services
Authors: Neu Wayne A. , Brown Stephen W.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to isolate and characterize organizational factors that enable the formation of high‐performing business services in product manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a case research design. In total, 32 depth interviews were conducted with 11 different managers from a Global 100 information technology manufacturing firm. These managers were directly responsible for forming a highly successful business service. All interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed, and the resulting 500 pages of interview data were open‐coded in QSR NUDIST. A case report was reviewed by study participants to enhance construct validity.

Findings

The general conclusion is that forming high‐performing business services in product manufacturing firms stems largely from managers' ability to create internal alignment among several organizational factors that collectively “fit” conditions in the market.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not provide the statistical generalization to a larger population offered by a large‐sample study. In addition, all data were collected from individuals who were directly involved in the formation of the focal business service.

Practical implications

The insights from this study can help managers design within a product manufacturing firm an organization that supports the formation of complex business services.

Originality/value

While product manufacturers' expansion into services is very prevalent in practice, the development has received sparse academic research attention.
Supply chain security orientation: conceptual development and a proposed framework
Authors: Autry Chad W. , Michelle Bobbitt L.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to report on an exploratory study investigating supply chain security orientation (SCSO), a firm‐level construct addressing companies' multiple approaches toward mitigation of supply chain security breaches and supply chain risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured interviews were conducted with managers who were responsible for firms' supply chain security efforts. The resulting data were content analyzed and critical themes presented depicting SCSO.

Findings

Key antecedents, outcomes, and moderating conditions were identified based on the qualitative data. Four primary dimensions of the SCSO concept are revealed.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the paper is the delineation of the components of SCSO, which appear to be pervasive across firms. Additionally, several drivers of SCSO are identified, and SCSO is linked to positive financial and customer outcomes, as well as supply chain continuity.
Achieving organisational change through values alignment
Authors: Branson Christopher M.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to, first, establish the interdependency between the successful achievement of organisational change and the attainment of values alignment within an organisation's culture and then, second, to describe an effective means for attaining such values alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature from the fields of organisational change, organisational culture, philosophy, psychology, and values theory is reviewed in order to develop and test the hypothesis that successful organisational change can only occur when those affected by the change are able to willingly commit to an agreed set of values aligned with the accomplishment of the organisation's new outcomes. The paper then presents and reports on a trial of a simple and effective framework for achieving such values alignment in an organisation.

Findings

This paper supports the view that the currently acknowledged widespread resistance to organisational change is caused by a failure of current organisational change strategies to attend to a values alignment process for all those people affected by the desired change. Moreover, this paper proposes that values alignment may not just be an important integral part of organisational change strategies; it could well be the bedrock, the foundation, on which all truly successful organisational change depends.

Practical implications

The values alignment process presented in this paper provides a very effective and efficient means for enabling people to discern, discuss, and actively support those values that will help the organisation to make desired changes. In essence, this process enables the alignment between personal and organisational values to occur and, thereby, allowing the organisation to evolve and remain viable.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique perspective on the important process of values alignment within any truly successful organisational change strategy.