bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of TQM: organic or mechanistic?
Authors: Moore Brad , Brown Alan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) in five organizations in light of the assumption that its implementation is an ongoing negotiated order rather than an objective reality as often accepted by the literature. Guided by a theoretical framework identified by Spencer (1994), the perceptions of a cross‐section of managers and employees in these organizations are used to establish the nature of applied TQM in terms of mechanistic and organic “mental models” of organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that research methodology is qualitative, and evidence was collected primarily through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews. A non‐quantifying general analytic methodology was used to analyse the evidence collected via convenience sampling.

Findings

The findings in this paper indicate that, in three of the organizations, TQM is being applied in generally organic ways. In the other two organizations, strong influences of the mechanistic model were detected. In many cases, elements of both mechanistic and organic approaches can be found in the same organization.

Research limitations/implications

The research in this paper is qualitative and exploratory in nature and, as such, does not attempt to investigate the implementation of TQM across a large number of organizations nor generalize the findings.

Originality/value

The research in this paper has significant originality as there is little research, to date, evident on the alternative view, of the implementation of TQM, espoused by Spencer (1994). The research contributes to the literature by demonstrating that the application of TQM can be both mechanistic and organic, encouraging the debate to focus on the nature of the variation of implementation as a subject of discussion in its own right.
A Delphi study on motivation for ISO 9000 and EFQM
Authors: Saizarbitoria Iñaki Heras , Arana Landín German , Casadesús Fa Martí
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse which are the motivations for implementing two of the most important models for Quality Management practice popularized in recent years – ISO 9000 and EFQM models.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a qualitative survey carried out using the Delphi methodology, triangulated with the results of other surveys carried out previously, as well as with the information gathered by means of several in‐depth interviews carried out with the experts that participated in the Delphi‐panel.

Findings

The paper finds strong consensus among experts of different backgrounds that external factors cause companies to implement the ISO 9000 standard. On the other hand, reasons for implementing TQM systems seem to be more varied.

Research limitations/implications

The research in this paper is limited to Spain; studies in other countries should be conducted to compare the results obtained.

Practical implications

In this paper there is a greater understanding of the motivation to implement ISO 9000 and EFQM based on the opinion of managers, consultants, academic specialists and members of institutions.

Originality/value

The paper finds a new methodology for examining the motivation to implement ISO 9000 and EFQM.
Use of ISO 9004:2000 and other business excellence tools in Canada
Authors: Wilcock A. , Karapetrovic S. , Boys K. , Piche P.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of business excellence tools, particularly the extent of adoption of the ISO 9004:2000 guideline and respondents' perceptions of its usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a large empirical study was undertaken to identify the use of business excellence frameworks in Canada. The survey was based on a series of in‐depth interviews with 15 standardization experts who are all members of the Canadian Advisory Committee on Quality Management CAC/ISO/TC176. It was mailed to a sample of small, medium, and large businesses that spanned a wide range of manufacturing and service sectors, resulting in 187 responses.

Findings

This paper finds that the application of business excellence tools by Canadian organizations seems to be a function of both the size and location of the organization. There may be differences in use between organizations within different industry sectors, and those with different organizational structures. ISO 9004:2000 is not widely used, and probably needs a complete overhaul.

Research limitations/implications

The survey in this paper had a relatively low response rate. The small number of respondents who were familiar with ISO 9004:2000 precluded any statistical analysis of the data. The results are of interest to a variety of quality management researchers, as there is a paucity of literature on ISO 9004, particularly with experimental data.

Practical implications

Contributions in the paper extend to practitioners, as the survey included manufacturing and service sectors, both publicly and privately owned, as well as executives, since the study was aimed at top management of the organizations surveyed.

Originality/value

The paper shows that, while the concept of business excellence has rarely been researched from a Canadian perspective, the focus on ISO 9004:2000 makes this study totally unique.
A rational reconstruction of Six‐Sigma's breakthrough cookbook
Authors: de Koning Henk , de Mast Jeroen
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a consistent and crystallized exposition of Six‐Sigma's methodology for improvement projects, which could serve as a basis for subsequent scientific research of the method.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that reformulation of imprecise and unscientific formulations of knowledge is called rational reconstruction. Starting from accounts given in the Six‐Sigma literature, a descriptive reconstruction of the main elements of the Six‐Sigma method is made: its business context, strategy, tools and techniques, and concepts and classifications.

Findings

The paper finds that, although, on the face of it, it may seem that accounts given in literature diverge, analysis shows that variations are superficial rather than essential. The analyses result in precisely formulated accounts of Six‐Sigma's method (DMAIC phases, steps, and tools), its business context, and its terminology. Essential anomalies are discussed. Six‐Sigma's claims of being data‐driven and focused on customers and bottom line results appear to be substantiated by its method.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper the presented reconstruction has a purely descriptive impetus: it structures accounts that the Six‐Sigma literature itself provides, without critical evaluation against theoretical frameworks beyond the Six‐Sigma literature. As such, it provides a basis that is suitable for subsequent scientific research.

Practical implications

The paper sees that loose and inaccurate expositions of Six‐Sigma's project methodology are supplemented with a precise formulation.

Originality/value

Among a tide of accounts of Six‐Sigma's DMAIC method, this paper provides an account that meets scientific standards of precision and consistency. It allows a substantiation of commonly made claims about Six‐Sigma, i.e. Six‐Sigma is a quantitative, data‐driven approach focused on cause‐and‐effect relations, and offering new solutions instead of standard cures.
Trust‐in‐supervisor and helping coworkers: moderating effect of perceived politics
Authors: Poon June M.L.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This study sought to examine the relationship between trust‐in‐supervisor and willingness to help coworkers as well as the moderating effect of perceptions of organizational politics on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey using a structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 106 employees of a medium‐sized company that had businesses in the manufacturing, travel, and education industries. Participation was voluntary and employees completed the questionnaire anonymously.

Findings

Moderated multiple regression results indicated that trust‐in‐supervisor was positively related to employee willingness to help coworkers among employees perceiving low levels of organizational politics but not among those perceiving high levels of organizational politics.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include reliance on cross‐sectional data collected using self‐reports from employees of a single organization. Future research should examine other forms of spontaneous workplace behaviors as outcomes of trust and identify other mitigating factors that may enhance or inhibit such behaviors. Future research also is needed to address the question of why trust predicts helping.

Practical implications

Employers can realize the benefits of employee helpfulness stemming from supervisory trust only if they can establish a workplace that is not politically charged. Therefore, trust must be augmented with organizational interventions and strategies that discourage a high level of politicking.

Originality/value

This study provides what is perhaps the first empirical test of the joint contribution of trust and perceptions of organizational politics on willingness to help. In addition, the findings of this study extend the organizational politics literature by showing that perceived politics might also act as a moderator of relationships.
Eustress, distress and their interpretation in primary and secondary occupational stress management interventions: which way first?
Authors: Le Fevre Mark , Kolt Gregory S. , Matheny Jonathan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To develop an argument for the retention of secondary approaches to stress management (those that focus on the individual within the organization) as first interventions, prior to the employment of primary approaches (those that focus on the organization's processes and structures). This is based on a reconsideration of eustress versus distress and a review of current empirical evidence on the effectiveness of stress management interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Major empirical studies and reviews are critically reviewed and placed within a theoretical framework derived from both early and more recent work in the field.

Findings

There is little empirical evidence on which to base recommendations for organization‐based stress management interventions as first or sole approaches and therefore the value of these as first or sole approaches is questioned. Instead secondary, individual‐focused, approaches are recommended as first‐line interventions prior to the adoption of organization‐based interventions.

Practical implications

In practice secondary stress management approaches are currently most common. Broader primary approaches appear to have excellent theoretical support and a growing body of supportive literature and accompanying recommendations for employment. We suggest, however, that secondary approaches be employed prior to the introduction of primary methodologies within a client organization.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review and framework for interpreting/understanding the research on the effectiveness of stress management interventions and makes recommendations relevant to practitioners in the field.
Fish or starve
Authors: Marren Patrick
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To provide the author's opinions about key issues in strategy and the future to the readership.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is an opinion column.

Findings

There are good analogies between the survival or failure of societies and the survival or failure of companies.

Research limitations/implications

Based not on rigorous research but on the author's experience of planning engagements across a wide variety of private and public enterprises. (Based largely on reading of Jared Diamond's book Collapse.)

Practical implications

Illustrates critical survival techniques of businesses.

Originality/value

Expresses opinions that the author believes have not been expressed in quite this way before.
Does innovation drive profitable growth? New metrics for a complete picture
Authors: Linder Jane C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Organizations intent on driving profitable growth recognize they need innovation, but most measures of innovation are incomplete, focusing only on R&D or new product development. This paper suggests an alternative, enterprise‐level measure that reflects the broadest definition of innovation and focuses on impact or value.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses publicly‐available financial data for companies in a variety of industries to create a profitable growth scale, ranking companies relative to their peers. It independently rates companies based on a survey of executives about company innovativeness.

Findings

The ranking based on financial data corresponds well to executives' self‐report information about how innovative their organizations are.

Originality/value

Since these two independent rankings of innovativeness align, I argue that executives can use the publicly available profitable growth scale to assess their own innovation performance relative to others in their industry.
Deriving a 12‐step process to create and implement a comprehensive knowledge management system
Authors: Calabrese Francesco A. , Orlando Carol Y.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Enterprises are supportive of knowledge management (KM) activities if they result in “actionable information” that relates to achieving strategic and operational goals and improved performance. KM individuals and corporate practitioners have evolved multiple approaches to creating the discrete steps required to design, implement and measure knowledge management systems (KMS) that meet the “actionable information” expectation of organizations. However, there is no universally acclaimed standard or best practice readily embraced, the purpose of this article, therefore, is to investigate a process for a comprehensive KMS.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes and analyzes five such approaches to an effective KMS; two are derived from academic sources and three from name recognizable practitioner corporations. The five use eight‐, nine‐ and ten‐step constructs for their KMSs.

Findings

The study found many similarities but were also able to project a 12‐step hybrid approach which combines all the best features of the five analyzed. Furthermore, the 12 steps are then logically distributed among the George Washington University “Four Pillar Framework” promulgated in 2000 and reflecting the four domains of leadership – organization – technology – learning which have consistently shown the capability to encompass all aspects of effective knowledge sharing and collaborative cultures. The 12‐step process is then put through a sensitivity/realism assessment using an actual configuration management application to demonstrate the utility of the process for future uses.

Originality/value

Ultimately, the various groupings and process steps described also lend themselves to the creation of an analysis and auditing instrument which can be applied to organizational environments to ascertain what exists and what is lacking for an effective KMS.
Political engineering in knowledge security
Authors: Ryan Julie J.C.H.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Knowledge security requires a balanced approach that incorporates and treats appropriately both tangible security needs and intangible environmental imperatives. This paper aims to investigate the concept of political engineering in knowledge security.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of a knowledge security architect is described.

Findings

The study finds that commercial certification vendors, such as ISC(2) and ISACA, have recognized the need and are offering management certifications for information security professionals. This is not enough. The educational needs of a knowledge security architect would include not only the technologies and legal aspects of information security, but also the political engineering skills and decision capabilities of senior executives.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward the conceptualization of a knowledge security architect as an integral part of the knowledge strategy team.
The starting block: enterprise (business) intelligence – evolving towards knowledge valuation
Authors: Green Annie
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper proposes a logical starting point to valuing knowledge within the context of the business enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology or approach to knowledge valuation is derived from empirical research based on a framework of intangible valuation areas (FIVA). The key valuation components of FIVA are used as the basis for the evolution of an enterprise knowledge valuation system (KVS).

Findings

The findings of the paper are that, fundamental to implementing a KVS is the leveraging of the current enterprise environment, to uncover the intelligence that currently exists so as to make decisions and act on those decisions. This paper presents the first layer of a conceptual model that supports the development of a KVS that leverages the current enterprise environment and integrates existing systems development methods and techniques in its approach to KVS creation and implementation.

Originality/value

The conceptual model – KVS Building Blocks – integrates fundamental types of models with each other to provide a holistic approach to implementing knowledge valuation in an enterprise environment. The first block in the KVS Building Blocks establishes a journey to identifying the data and information enterprise stakeholders need represented in a language they understand, to build a foundation that supports the capability of enterprise stakeholders to value knowledge within their enterprise.
Taiwanese executive practice knowledge management in mainland China and Southeast Asia (Malaysia)
Authors: Kao Hsin , Kao Peng‐Hsian , Mazzuchi Thomas A.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Many scholars and practitioners argue about the Taiwanese government policy of investing in “Go‐South” or “Go‐West” approach. Therefore, this paper aims to present data from two groups showing the differences of Taiwanese executives in China and in Malaysia from the point of view of knowledge management (KM) usage.

Design/methodology/approach

Knowledge management is very important since enterprises are eager to create value through the better use of knowledge in today's globalization trend. In this study, the State of Knowledge Management: An Assessment Questionnaire, which includes 19 KM tools, was used to identify various kinds of KM tools usage frequencies. Data were collected from 200 firms in China and Malaysia. These firms represent several manufacturing industries, including food, textiles, rubbers and plastics, electronics, and metal manufacturing.

Findings

The results show that executives in China have higher scores in 16 KM tools than executives in Malaysia, which means the former executives practice KM more than the later executives. Chinese people in both Taiwan and China share the same traditional values of respect for age, authority, hierarchy, culture, and language. Therefore, cultural and contextual variables differences may not affect the mix of knowledge‐sharing problems.

Originality/value

This paper reveals useful information showing the differences of Taiwanese executives in China and in Malaysia from the point of view of KM usage.
Influence of the binder system on current and future demands for base materials
Authors: Hoevel Bernd , Valette Ludovic , Aoyama Tomoyuki
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To give an overview of the problems that can occur with base laminate materials when converting to lead‐free soldering and to give guidance on possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contains a number of correlations between different physical measurements and their impact on real‐life processing conditions. The problem areas are highlighted and the corrective actions that need to be taken with base materials are described.

Findings

Results suggest that conventional FR4 resins might still be suitable for standard lead‐free applications that require only a few reflow cycles. However, with the growing complexity of board designs and the increasing number of solder cycles, better thermally resistant products are necessary. Other key resin parameters such as adhesion or toughness are also essential to enhance reliability.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its provision of guidance on critical base material properties. It describes the change in physical properties that laminates will experience when moving to the higher temperatures needed for facilitate lead‐free assembly. Selection criteria for base materials are given that will help to minimise the impact of these higher temperatures.
The influence of temperature on the efficiency of electroplating from various ionic liquids
Authors: Lambert Stuart
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To study the influence of temperature on the electroplating efficiency of various metals from ionic liquids.

Design/methodology/approach

Copper, silver, nickel and tin, in the form of metal chlorides, were dissolved in a number of ionic liquids. After using cyclic voltammetry to establish an optimum current density to electroplate each metal, basic electroplating processes were carried out at varying temperatures onto stainless steel. The mass deposited was used to calculate the efficiency of the process.

Findings

It was found that, generally, temperature influences the efficiency of electroplating from ionic solutions. While some solutions showed continuing improvements in plating efficiency as the temperature increased, others exhibited an optimum plating temperature. One solution examined showed the need for a certain temperature to be reached in order to induce the formation of a different metal complex before electroplating was achievable.

Research limitations/implications

The low currents used in the electroplating experiments have a large influence on the errors in the efficiency, especially at lower temperatures.

Originality/value

Consideration of the use of ionic liquids in electroplating for printed circuit board manufacturing is relatively new. Knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of metals in various ionic liquids will allow potential plating solutions to be better understood in terms of their suitability for PCB fabrication.
Rationality and the language of decision making
Authors: Peacock Mark S.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose is to show the importance of language in economic activity and encourage economists to pay more attention to language than hitherto.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines John Searle's work and consider its implications for economic theory. It discusses Searle's “background” and its role in the explanation of intentional phenomena. It analyses the implications of the background for the notion of rule‐following and illustrates the role the background plays in decision making by examining conversation‐analytical studies of decisions involving responses to invitations.

Findings

Searle offers a novel interpretation of rules which contrasts to that found in economic theory. The decisions I examine manifest a “preference structure” independent of the preferences of individuals. These can be called “background preferences”. Personal and background preference rankings can conflict with each other. This leads to a possible interpretation of the phenomenon “weakness of will”. The paper concludes with remarks on why language is a neglected phenomenon in economic theory.

Originality/value

Searle's work is slowly coming to the attention of a few economists. However, most contributions to the debate so far are at a very general level and do not tackle concrete issues of economic theory. By looking empirically at decision making, this paper shows the relevance of Searle to an issue at the heart of economic theory.
The entrepreneurial myth, globalization and American economic dominance
Authors: Wellington Donald C. , Zandvakili Sourushe
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to point out that the seemingly new and novel has ancient historical precedents.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an interpretive essay. It begins with an historical examination of the role of entrepreneurship in the economy and points out that its function has been largely reactive rather than one that is a fundamentally causative prime mover.

Findings

The role is described with noteworthy illustrations that are recurrent and extend over centuries, if not millennia, in time. Their conspicuous quality is a moral repugnance. The role continues into the present.

Practical implications

The underlying causal factors have changed, but the indifference to general public welfare is a continuing feature.

Originality/value

Provides a critical examination of the role of entrepreneurship in the economy in a historical perspective.
Information and communications technology: a non‐income influence on economic well being
Authors: Gani Azmat , Clemes Michael D.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper tests the hypothesis that more information via higher levels of diffusion of ICT: a non‐income influence, leads to an improvement in societal well being using data from a large sample of low‐income countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical procedure utilises a pooled cross section time wise autoregressive model to test the effects of information and communications technology (ICT) on economic well being.

Findings

The findings here provide strong support that the diffusion of the new ICT positively contribute to societal economic well being.

Practical implications

The implication of the findings is that low‐income countries, in particular, should quickly move to seize the opportunity to develop their ICT infrastructure given its beneficial welfare effects.

Originality/value

The paper examines the effect of ICT on well being.
Human agency and free will: choice and determinism in economics
Authors: Altman Morris
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The assumption of free will in contemporary economics is an important starting point for socio‐economic analysis in contrast to methodologies which assume that human action is pre‐determined by forces beyond individual control. However, contemporary economic theory is devoid of choice in critical domains with important implication for economic analyses and public policy, given the ancillary assumption of the importance of market forces in determining choice behavior. The purpose of this paper is to argue that freedom of choice exists given traditional constraints such as relative prices and income.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper examining the assumption of free will in choice behaviour in economic theory. It makes reference to literature in economics and philosophy that shed light on this critical working assumption in economics.

Findings

Conventional analysis pays little heed to non economic constraints on human action that affect and delimit but do not preclude free choice or free will. Of vital importance to free will in choice behavior are institutions which delimit the extent of coercion in the decision‐making process.

Practical implications

An important implication for research is the determination of the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of free will in choice behaviour. Given the existence of free will and free choice, individuals are morally responsible for their choices. It is therefore important to determine the extent which free will exists and that which constrains free will in choice behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the extremes of the free will debate in economics and suggests the boundaries within which free will exists in economic behaviour. It also suggests the welfare implications of limitations on free will where no negative externalities exist.
A hermeneutic of Amartya Sen's concept of capability
Authors: Mathias Nebel , Rendon Teresa Herrera
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Sen's notion of capability is often referred to by its standard definition “the various combinations of beings and doings that a person can achieve and value”. But do economists truly understand all what is meant by it? The concepts of agency as well as the notion of capability do not only refer to economics, but also to a rich philosophical tradition of thought. The purpose of this paper is thus to propose a philosophical hermeneutic of the concept of capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The notion of capability has been heavily linked first to Aristotle and then to Libertarianism (Nussbaum), but it also have been referred to Marx and recently to Kant (Crocker). It is, in fact, a matter of interpretation, for Sen does not exclusively ground the notion of capability into one or another tradition of thought. The paper proposes to find in Hannah Arendt and Paul Ricoeur some insights to understand the concept of capability.

Findings

The paper hints to a shift by not only measuring capabilities but also directly agency, thought of as the inter‐temporal sphere of effective freedom one as reasons to value. The inclusion of time is precisely what compels us to search for the bearer of capabilities; for the person is the only point that gives and achieve continuity into the constant changes occurring both to the context and to the personal valuation of the capability set.

Originality/value

The hermeneutic gives to the concept of capability an ethical coherence through time it usually lacks both in Sen and in Nussbaum. The paper should be of interest for philosophers and social scientists eager to work or apply the capability approach throughout time.
Could developing countries take the benefit of globalisation?
Authors: Hartungi Rusdy
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To provide philosophical discussions of various works, thinking of globalisations and new thoughts on how the developing countries might take benefit of globalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide range of published works, which contain the recent thoughts and debates of the globalisation to developing nations are reviewed, analysed and then critiqued. The authors take some case study examples and evidence from developing worlds, most notably in Indonesia.

Findings

At present, the impact of globalisation will benefit mostly to industrialised countries or MNC's operating in developing countries. Globalisation will bring prosperity to developing world only if industrialised countries and MNC's are willing to adopt a code of conduct, which permits their profit motives to be harmonised with the self‐reliant interest of developing nations.The global rule must be changed in favour of developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Globalisation is a very wide issue. This paper only highlights issues related to trade, labour, intellectual property and environment. Not many developing and industrialised countries are taken as case example. Thus, there are still a lot of further research needed to prove its usefulness.

Practical implications

Provide a useful source to the global players like industrialised countries, MNC's. It highlights how industrialised countries might contribute to assist developing countries to catch up in line with globalisation. Also useful to MNC's CEO wants to increase their corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

Provide new taught and suggestion to developing countries, MNC's and industrialised countries. Some evidence, arguments and recommendations have not been discussed in the globalisation debate.
Aging population, emigration and growth in Barbados
Authors: Banik Arindam , Bhaumik Pradip K.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the dual effect of demographic changes and emigration of young people on the economic growth of small Caribbean economies and the serious economic challenges arising therefrom.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical model leading to a hypothesis that is later tested on Barbados.

Findings

Rising incomes have had very significant demographic changes in Barbados and other small Caribbean economies while proximity to large developed economies have contributed to emigration. Together, these have caused capital outflows from the economies as well as simultaneous shortage of skilled workers and high rates of overall unemployment.

Research limitations/implications

Economic vulnerability of small states needs further detailed study.

Practical implications

One implication for the small Caribbean economies is to restructure their labour market through sustained skill development programmes so as to reduce the skill gap between the demand and supply of specific skills.

Originality/value

Although demographic shifts and their effects are widely studied, this paper highlights the special vulnerability of the small Caribbean economies to lower fertility, ageing and emigration.
Analyzing and managing risks – on the importance of gender differences in risk attitudes
Authors: Schubert Renate
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to show optimal strategies for firms to cope with analysis and management of risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical and experimental studies on gender differences in risk analysis and risk management are reported and assessed.

Findings

Women appear less sensitive to probabilities and more pessimistic towards gains than men. In risk management, women seem to have a comparative advantage with respect to diversification and communication tasks.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical testing of the hypothesis that mixed teams of senior managers optimize risk analysis and management is still missing. Deeper insights into the optimal structure of men's and women's cooperation with respect to risk analysis and management are missing.

Practical implications

A well established cooperation of men and women at the senior management level appears recommendable for firms which strive for an optimization of their risk analysis and risk management. Furthermore, such cooperation is desirable with respect to a society's perspective.

Originality/value

Identification of gender differences in risk analysis and management are pointed. Such differences matter since analysis and management of risk are decisive issues for firms.
A stochastic process approach in setting the appropriate margin level for the TAIFEX stock index futures
Authors: Chou Jian‐Hsin , Yu Hong‐Fwu
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to compute the appropriate margin level for the stock index futures traded on the Taiwan Futures Exchange (TAIFEX) and, then, to examine the appropriateness of the real margin requirement set by the TAIFEX.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a new approach assuming the future's prices follow a geometric Brownian motion process. Compared with the extreme value theory that has been intensively used to determine the appropriate futures margin levels, one of the advantages of the present model is no need to specify the frequency at which extremes are taken.

Findings

The evidences indicate that the theoretical margins obtained by the proposed model can provide a more accurate and flexible margin level in accordance with the market volatility.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this approach is that the natural logarithm of the futures prices is assumed to follow a Brownian motion process. However, such an assumption might not be practical for financial returns.

Practical implications

The research is helpful for the clearinghouse to set up its margins policy, especially under various conditions of volatility risks.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a theoretical procedure to set an appropriate futures margin for the TAIFEX. This paper also provides a better understanding of Taiwan's futures market that is newly launched and is useful for investors to hedge and speculate.
Enhancing consumer empowerment
Authors: Tiu Wright Len , Newman Andrew , Dennis Charles
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Much of the literature on consumer empowerment focuses on consumers' efforts to regain control of their consumption processes from suppliers. The purpose is to argue that many suppliers achieve success by trying hard to empower consumers. The mechanism by which this takes place consists of researching and providing what consumers want. Consumers feel empowered when they are able to enjoy the consumption process. This is of particular note in shopping, which is not simply obtaining products but also experience and enjoyment.

Design/methodology/approach

Research is examined into the links between firms' efforts to understand what consumers want, atmospheric stimuli, emotions and buying behaviour.

Findings

The paper finds that successful firms' try hard to understand what consumers want and to improve consumer satisfaction and empowerment by providing pleasant marketing environments and apt, relevant information.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is based on prior literature. The paper examines marketing to consumers in company locations, e.g. stores, malls, restaurants and banks to examine specific evidence of the effects of atmospheric stimuli such as aroma, music and video screen media.

Practical implications

The paper contends that firms can and do become successful in a competitive arena by providing pleasant environments and information that people want.

Originality/value

The paper shows how consumer empowerment is an important concept. This paper contributes since there is a dearth of writings specifically about consumer empowerment in the marketing literature. Far from the popular view of consumers being manipulated by firms, successful firms try hard to and succeed in empowering consumers in their marketing activities.
Mapping consumer power: an integrative framework for marketing and consumer research
Authors: Denegri‐Knott Janice , Zwick Detlev , Schroeder Jonathan E.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To help shape a more cohesive research program in marketing and consumer research, this paper presents a systematic effort to integrate current research on consumer empowerment with highly influential theories of power. A conceptual overview of power consisting of three dominant theoretical models is developed onto which is mapped existing consumer empowerment research.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthetic review focuses on three perspectives of consumer power: consumer sovereignty, cultural power and discursive power, drawing from sociological, philosophical and economic literature. These models are then applied to consumer research to illuminate research applications and insights.

Findings

Research of consumer empowerment has grown significantly over the last decade. Yet, researchers drawing from a variety of intellectual and methodological traditions have generated a multitude of heuristic simplifications and mid‐level theories of power to inform their empirical and conceptual explorations. This review helps clarify consumer empowerment, and offers a useful map for future research.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers in consumer empowerment need to understand the historical development of power, and to contextualize research within conflicting perspectives on empowerment.

Originality/value

The paper makes several contributions: organizes a currently cluttered field of consumer empowerment research, connects consumer and marketing research to high‐level theorizations of power, and outlines specific avenues for future research.
Consumption as voting: an exploration of consumer empowerment
Authors: Shaw Deirdre , Newholm Terry , Dickinson Roger
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Increasing numbers of consumers are expressing concerns about reports of questionable corporate practices and are responding through boycotts and buycotts. This paper compares competing theories of consumer empowerment and details findings that examine the applicability of the theory to “ethical consumer” narratives. The nature and impact of consumer empowerment in consumer decision making is then discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes an exploratory approach by conducting semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with a purposive sample of ten consumers. These were recruited from an “ethical product” fair in Scotland.

Findings

Results indicate that the participating consumers embraced a voting metaphor, either explicitly or implicitly, to view consumption as an ethical/political domain. Setting their choices within perceived collective consumer behaviour, they characterised their consumption as empowering. This results in an ethical consumer project that can be seen as operating within the market. It, therefore, suggests some tensions between consumer power and sustainable living.

Research limitations/implications

This small‐scale study relates to a single country and location. A particular group of accentuated consumers was recruited. Studies of the narratives of other consumer groupings would clearly be valuable.

Practical implications

To the extent that political democracy is perceived as failing, it appears that the profile of the market as a site of consumer engagement is raised. Marketers would be wise, therefore, to take increasingly account of “empowered” consumers.

Originality/value

Little attention has been paid to the theory of consumption as voting. However, a continuing rise in the consideration of ethics among consumers and producers suggests its rehabilitation and further exploration would be worthwhile.
Brand community of convenience products: new forms of customer empowerment – the case “my Nutella The Community”
Authors: Cova Bernard , Pace Stefano
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To analyse the power that a virtual brand community exerts over a brand of a mass‐marketed convenience product. To draw implications about the strategy that a company can employ facing this power shift. To track emerging trends in virtual brand communities applied to convenience product (as opposed to niche or luxury goods).

Design/methodology/approach

Case study of the web community “my Nutella The Community” promoted by the firm Ferrero in Italy. The study applied multiple methods and was conducted through interviews with key informants, netnography and document analysis.

Findings

The virtual community that gathers around a convenience product brand shows a new form of sociality and customer empowerment: it is not based on interaction between peers, but more on personal self‐exhibition in front of other consumers through the marks and rituals linked to the brand. The company should play the role of non‐intrusive enabler of these personal expressions, reducing its control over the brand's meanings.

Originality/value

The literature on brand community has traditionally focused on communities born around niche or luxury brand (Harley Davidson, Mercedes, Saab). The paper deals with a mass marketed convenience product like Nutella (the worldwide famous hazelnut spread), showing noteworthy differences that would advance current knowledge on brand communities and customer empowerment.
The evolution of the empowered consumer
Authors: Davies Andrea , Elliott Richard
Published: September 2006

Purpose

An oral history to examine the evolution of the empowered consumer and brand consciousness from 1918 to 1965 as a critical analysis of mass consumer culture in Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors trace the changing experience of consumer empowerment and importantly show oral testimony (oral history) as a method able to reveal the complexities of this experience.

Findings

Women locate increased choice and responsibility within changing marketing and retailing systems (including self‐service, branding and the media). The authors show how increased choice and responsibility was often experienced (at least initially) as challenging or confusing.

Originality/value

The study identifies that empowerment is a complex or paradoxical process. It provides empirical support for a growing number of claims that have challenged the linear benefit assumptions given to increased choice arising from classic economic theory and outline a model of the paradox of the evolution of the empowered consumer.
“Mothers of invention”: maternal empowerment and convenience consumption
Authors: Carrigan Marylyn , Szmigin Isabelle
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper explores how the complex relationship between consumption and production evolves as women enact their roles as mothers, and reconstruct their self‐identity through their use or avoidance of convenience products.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, individual interviews are used to allow an in‐depth analysis of the life stories of the group of respondents. An interpretive analysis reveals the purpose, patterns and rules followed by these individuals in their actions.

Findings

Convenience consumption empowers these “mothers of invention” to instrumental and emotional autonomy through their rejection of unnecessary drudgery, and enables them to negotiate the role of caretaker within the family.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the study suggest that there is a role for marketing to remove any vestiges of guilt in convenience consumption by addressing the issues of sustainability, nutrition, quality and value in convenience products. Future research should investigate whether these findings resonate cross‐culturally and across broader socio‐economic groups.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the importance of reinforcing the connections between a better quality of family care and love. The paper also demonstrates the importance of the interactions of the family members on convenience consumption. These findings are important for marketing practitioners and academics researching family consumption.
Graduate development programmes and satisfaction levels
Authors: McDermott Edel , Mangan John , O'Connor Marion
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived progress of graduates who have been recruited by organisations and to assess their expectations and corresponding satisfaction levels. Drawing on the psychological contract and graduate development literature, the objective of the study was to compare the opinions of graduates from an organisation that offers a graduate development programme (GDP) to graduates from an organisation that does not offer such a programme.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper there are interviews with HR managers, coupled with the design and distribution of a questionnaire to 126 graduates in two organisations with a response rate of 71 per cent (89 completed questionnaires).

Findings

Interesting findings emerged from the research that suggest that while GDPs do have merit, they do not appear to result in graduates who are more satisfied. In fact the opposite appeared to be true. From the sample, it emerged that organisations that employ these programmes have graduates who are less satisfied than their counterparts in organisations with no such programmes.

Practical implications

A number of practical implications and recommendations were identified from the study, including the importance of monitoring graduate expectations and satisfaction levels, introducing short‐term development plans, re‐evaluating the terms of reference of the GDP and providing specific training for supervisors/managers of graduates. To ensure that GDPs play a positive part in ensuring the organisational commitment of the graduate, they must be carefully developed and managed.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into satisfaction levels regarding GDPs.