bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate reputation and organisational performance: an Australian study
Authors: Inglis Robert , Morley Clive , Sammut Paul
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To test for a relationship between corporate reputation and financial performance, using Australian data.

Design/methodology/approach

Econometric modelling.

Findings

No causal relationship between corporate reputation and financial performance (in either direction) was found. This is contrary to some findings in other countries. Reputation may not have a significant impact on performance in Australia. There may be weaknesses in the existing measure of reputation, or the finding may be due to unobserved variability in the intervening variable of managerial exploitation of the reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may be specific to Australia. In Australia, the linkage between reputation and performance may be too small to be significant in the available sample. It is argued that in corporate practice the link between reputation and performance proceeds via strategy and competitive advantage. Having a reputation resource is not enough; it needs to be managed well and exploited if it is to yield financial results. More work is needed to establish reliable measures of reputation.

Originality/value

It is the first known study to investigate the link on Australian data. The discussion of the findings raises issues for the measurement and management of reputation.
Framing brand management for marketing ecosystems
Authors: Singer John G.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To define the contours of a new marketing attuned to the information age, and to introduce the concept of marketing ecosystems as a new framework for competitive strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on five years of research and consulting experience applying general systems theory to strategy design, backed by the author's nearly 20 years field experience in the marketing services industry.

Findings

There is a conceptual gap between thinking systems used by marketers to create novelty and demonstrate value, the “ground truth” of a saturated information environment, and the currents shaping major directional change in the world. Marketers adopt management strategies that consistently trail, rather than anticipate, technological change.

Practical implications

Making strategic choices to compete between and within marketing ecosystems – system‐level competition – is now an increasing focus of business strategy. The paper provides new metaphors to frame brand management for system‐level competition, a new orientation to create novelty in marketing, and a new path to solve complex problems of marketing and sales performance.

Originality/value

The paper introduces marketing ecosystems as an enabling concept for transformative thinking about competitive brand strategy. It acts as a counterweight to the dominant view of marketing that says customer targeting is a sustainable business advantage. The paper has value to executives in all industries who seek new ideas and better output from their marketing operations.
A learning network framework for modern organizations
Authors: Bennet Alex , Shane Tomblin M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an integrated framework including knowledge management (KM), organizational learning (OL), and information and communication technologies (ICT).

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of the existing literature with preliminary supporting empirical evidence reported is presented in the article.

Findings

A theoretical framework is developed.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the article can be used to guide ongoing research in the area of KM, OL, and ICT.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution to understanding in the fields of KM and OL in particular and ICT secondarily.
Intermetallic compound formation and solderability for immersion tin
Authors: Chan C.M. , Tong K.H. , Kwok R.W.M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between intermetallic compound (IMC) formation and solderability for immersion tin deposit under different number of reflows.

Design/methodology/approach

Scanning Auger microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer surface analysis techniques were used to study changes in immersion tin deposit layer when subjected to simulated solder reflow conditions.

Findings

Auger analysis also showed that no three discrete uniform layers of pure tin, Cu6Sn5η‐phase and Cu3Snε‐phase can be observed after one reflow. Degradation in solderability performance after reflow was due to the formation of a Cu6Sn5IMC at the surface. This IMC has inferior solder wetting properties compared to tin. As the number of reflow cycles increases the surface contains less tin rich regions and more IMC regions. Experiments showed that longer reflow times during the assembly process or use of a thicker tin layer can improve the solderability after three reflow cycles.

Research limitations/implications

This work has shown that longer reflow times during the assembly process or use of a thicker tin layer can improve solderability after three reflow cycles. These two approaches are thus recommended when using immersion tin finishes on PCBs that require multiple lead‐free reflow cycles.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable data that will assist PCB assemblers to optimise their solder reflow conditions when assembling boards that require multiple solder cycles.
Can laser direct imaging (LDI) meet the needs of high density interconnect (HDI) mass‐production and packaging manufacturers?
Authors: Altmann Uwe
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To give an overview of the main needs of PCB manufacturers and to show how these needs can be met using laser direct imaging (LDI) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been written to provide a review of current needs of PCB manufacturers in different product types. Problem areas are highlighted and methods for solving these issues using LDI technology are described.

Findings

Demand for LDI machines is increasing globally. Enhancements in LDI technology capabilities are convincing more PCB companies to the technology in today's production. HDI can address the needs of different applications such as: quick turnaround and sampling jobs that require short delivery times while meeting high technological demands; high layer count jobs that require accurate layer to layer alignment; flex and rigid‐flex boards with challenging registration and exposure uniformity demands; and sequential build‐up boards that require very accurate pad to hole registration, etc.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on the type of problems and issues encountered by PCB manufacturers in different applications. It also details the current and near future developments in LDI technology that will enable PCB manufacturers to address these issues.
New technologies for a sustainable printed circuit board manufacturing process: further results
Authors: Bains Narinder , Geraghty Kate , Goosey Martin
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To present an update and the latest results from work on a project aimed at enabling printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing to become more sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

Various individual treatment technologies were studied individually under laboratory conditions and then combined into a pilot‐scale demonstrator line that was used to process effluent from a nickel‐gold plating line in a PCB production environment.

Findings

The use of these novel processes, including special electroplating techniques, advanced oxidation methods and a new ion exchange system can be combined to give a more sustainable treatment process for effluent emanating from PCB manufacturing. The approach also generates high quality pure water that can be recycled and reused in the manufacturing process.

Research limitations/implications

The combined technology has been demonstrated with a nickel‐gold plating line. Further development work should be undertaken to tailor the technology for other parts of the PCB manufacturing process.

Originality/value

The paper details how individual treatment technologies can be combined to enable a much more sustainable approach to PCB manufacturing which offers the benefits of reduced effluent levels and a source of high purity recycled water.
Technology roadmapping and the supply chain
Authors: Fisher John T. (Jack)
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To introduce the four key industry roadmaps used by the electronics industry and to illustrate which parts of the supply chain each serves.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of the coverage of the iNEMI, ITRS, Jisso and IPC roadmaps.

Findings

It is apparent that the four key industry roadmaps do serve the supply chain and their respective industries. The roadmaps do not compete but rather, they actually complement each other and give the reader who understands them, a picture of the industry and its supply chain that is not available anywhere else.

Research limitations/implications

The four key industry roadmaps provide comprehensive coverage for the electronics industry.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the different technology areas and sections of the electronics industry value chain addressed by the four key industry roadmaps.
The wealth of some and the poverty of Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Luiz John M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The economic growth performance of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) over the past few decades has confounded economists. The paper examines the nature and causes of the region's marginalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses areas of marginalisation including: technologically, economically, socially, politically, and even intellectually. The aim here is to document all these facets in a comparative manner and to examine prospects for their reversal.

Findings

The poverty of SSA has many dimensions and causes, both internal and external. Certainly part of its underdevelopment is attributable to bad luck, initial conditions, and an unfavourable international economic environment. However, the region has to accept much of the responsibility for its plight because its present state is also largely an outcome of poor policy choice and bad governance. Thus, whilst we cannot account for every facet of the question of “why some nations are rich and others poor” we are nonetheless left with some very real certainties.

Practical implications

The most important implication is that the principal therapy for poverty in SSA comes from within by addressing the internal obstacles to growth. However, the international community has an important role to play in addressing the uneven global trading system which is hampering development prospects and this needs to happen in the current trading round.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive account of the sources of Africa's underdevelopment in a comparative manner. It will be of interest to all social scientists and policymakers interested in development issues.
A case study in the globalization of jobs in Ireland
Authors: Jobs Charles , Butler David
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper sets out to identify the challenges and potential responses Ireland has related to the potential loss of jobs due to offshoring in a key Irish employment sector. The following research question is addressed. How can Irish call centers effectively respond to offshore competition?

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is a based on a field research project including interview and survey data. The project was supported by The Irish Development Agency (IDA) to obtain data about the workers, management and demographic trends of the Irish call center sector. A review of literature available on the subject and observations made during the data gathering phase of a field research project run during the summer of 2004.

Findings

Shows that the global market for offshoring is growing at an accelerated rate due to economic drivers, cultural perceptions and expectations of corporate managers, SMEs, and IT systems integrators. Illustrates how Ireland can turn the problems associated with offshoring into strategic advantage.

Practical implications

The paper proposes responses to the threat of lost jobs in Ireland due to the forces of globalization may offer useful insights for other countries facing similar economic threats.

Originality/value

Very few papers have been published related to Irish job migration. The value is the paper studies a significant Irish industry sector in terms of employment and very real issues related to the globalization of jobs via offshoring. This is important to the IDA and to economic development practitioners in other countries facing the loss of jobs to globalization and offshoring.
GDP per capita and its challengers as measures of happiness
Authors: Dipietro William R. , Anoruo Emmanuel
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper attempts to empirically assess whether GDP per capita or the human capital index is a better measure of happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐country regressions are run to see how GDP per capita fairs in comparison to the human capital index in explaining happiness based on survey questionnaires.

Findings

The paper finds that GDP per capita accounts for a far greater share of the cross country variation in happiness based on survey data than the human capita index and assorted other measures of human welfare.

Practical implications

The important implication is that the often heard criticism that GDP per capita is inappropriate for use in economic analysis, especially in the area of economic development and other international fields, because it is not specifically designed as a measure of welfare, may be unfounded.

Originality/value

The paper shows that GDP per capita is a better measure of happiness defined in surveys than the human capital index.
Knowledge‐induced technological change
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul , Azid Toseef , Klasra Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To apply the Tawhidi epistemology in the automobile industry as the paradigm of the Islamic socio‐scientific order in terms of its inherent knowledge‐centered worldview.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts of unity and unification of knowledge in a system‐wide sense are analytically developed in the framework of shuratic process or equivalently as the interactive, integrative and evolutionary process‐oriented methodology (IIE).

Findings

The analytical conceptualization is derived in the light of Qur'anic rules (ahkam) and recommended that policies, programs and instruments would jointly promote the development of mutual profitability and address the social milieu as well.

Research limitations/implications

Tawhidi unification methodology of extensive participation and linkage can be applied widely.

Originality/value

Certain policy recommendations in the light of the shari'ah precepts of this case study can be made.
Consumers' expenditures and perceived price fairness
Authors: Daskalopoulou Irene , Petrou Anastasia
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To analyze the role of price fairness perceptions as a construct underlying individuals' transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper formulates and empirically tests the hypothesis that price fairness perceptions endogenously determine consumers' expenditures decisions. Economic transactions are viewed as an allocation choice problem with fairness perceptions being an endogenous variable determining problem outcome. A treatment effects model is utilized, allowing for the analysis of the effects that price fairness perceptions exercise upon both the consumers' decision to realize a transaction as well as upon their consequent level of spending.

Findings

Consumers do patronize stores and one important variable determining their level of spending is their perceptions of fairness underlying the transaction with a specific provider.

Research limitations/implications

The small usable questionnaire sample may be considered as a limitation. However, the very satisfactory fit of the estimated model allows for the results to be a comparison basis with future findings.

Practical implications

Analysis of price fairness perceptions provides new insights regarding consumer behavior, enhancing the analytical validity of typical household demand models.

Originality/value

Analysis allows for price fairness perceptions to enter a consumer's expenditures equation usually expressed in terms of socio‐economic indicators.
Credit risk management
Authors: Freeman Mark C. , Cox Paul R. , Wright Brian
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possible use of credit derivatives by corporate treasurers. Corporations have, in recent years, grown comfortable with the idea of using traditional derivative products to hedge their exposure to, for example, interest rate and foreign exchange risk. Credit risk, on the other hand, has proven a more difficult animal to tame. Whilst avenues for the management of credit risk do exist, for example, by the use of traditional insurance products and letters of credit, such means are not always convenient.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, both the academic and practitioner literature on credit derivatives and their application are reviewed. Then, by means of some simple numerical examples, the possible uses to which corporate treasurers might put credit default swaps and total return swaps are illustrated.

Findings

The credit derivatives market is, at present, dominated by large banks and insurance companies who trade credit exposure among themselves. As the credit derivatives market becomes more liquid and transparent, it is asked: “Should corporate treasurers consider using credit derivatives to manage their credit risk exposure?” A number of simple and practical ways in which corporations can use credit derivatives to manage risk are explored and the practical strengths and weaknesses of following such approaches are emphasised.

Originality/value

This paper is of particular value to corporate treasurers. This is one of the first academic papers to consider credit derivatives from a financial management perspective.
Stock bonus compensation and firm performance in Taiwan
Authors: Guo Wen‐Chung , Shiah‐Hou Shin‐Rong
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative firms’ performances of equity‐based compensation schemes using a panel regression approach from Taiwanese experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous theory considers executive stock options as an important input in the production process, but the empirical support for the performances of equity‐based compensation schemes is mixed in developed countries. This paper uses a panel data regression to analyze the influence of stock bonus and executive stock option on performance.

Findings

The evidences in Taiwan suggest that there exist positive associations between the amount of stock bonuses and firms’ operating performance. It is also found that firms with larger firm size or high growth opportunity tend to adopt stock bonus

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is that we the dataset over our sample period 1999‐2001 is still incomplete because the executive stock options allowed by the regulation are not prevalent in Taiwan over that period. The second limitation is the unique stock bonus system in Taiwan is not observed for developed countries.

Practical implications

The result imply a positive association between stock bonus and firm's operating performance. Companies with well‐designed bonus compensation may lead to better performance.

Originality/value

The unique stock bonus compensation schemes in Taiwan are used in general to contribute to the success of the high‐tech companies. This paper first addresses the importance of the stock bonus on compensation issue for high‐tech companies. This added knowledge is beneficial to practitioners and academics whose interest lies in equity‐based compensation and performance.
The impact of corruption on financial markets
Authors: Ng David
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus specifically on the role of corruption in affecting financial markets. Recently, there are several studies that examine how one country’s level of corruption might affect asset prices in other countries. The aim of this article is to summarize how corruption may affect the bond and stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organized as follows. Section 1 defines corruption and briefly examines the causes of corruption. Section 2 examines various measures of corruption and provides a ranking of countries. Section 3 explains how corruption may affect business and provide anecdotal evidence. Section 4 provides a summary of some empirical evidence of corruption on firm performances. Section 5 concludes.

Findings

Across international financial markets, corruption is found to be associated with higher firm’s borrowing cost, lower stock valuation, and worse corporate governance.

Originality/value

This paper provides a brief summary on research related to corruption and its impact on financial markets. Anecdotal evidence has shown the disruptive effect of corruption, and theoretical literature largely confirms this effect. Empirical studies show that the cost of corruption is highly significant in many different areas of the economy. In particular, across international financial markets, corruption is found to be associated with higher borrowing cost, lower stock valuation, and worse corporate governance.
Investment principles and strategies of faith‐based funds
Authors: Boasson Emil , Boasson Vigdis , Cheng Joseph
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To examine the rationale for the investment principles adopted by faith‐based funds from a biblical perspective and to evaluate the performance of faith‐based ethical funds.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐factor Carhart model is applied to examine the risk‐adjusted financial performance and investment strategies of faith‐based ethical funds.

Findings

The statistical results indicate that the faith‐based funds as a group do not under‐perform the market on a risk‐adjusted basis.

Practical implications

This suggests that investment managers may incorporate moral/ethical components into their investment decisions without unduly shortchanging their clients for whom they have fiduciary duties.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few papers which study faith‐based funds.
Pairing information with poverty: traces of development discourse in LIS
Authors: Haider Jutta , Bawden David
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate and critically assess the notions of “information poverty” in LIS by highlighting its connections with development discourse.

Design/methodology/approach

The article takes a discourse analysis approach, which starts from Michel Foucault's understanding of discourse. “Information poverty” is posited as a statement and investigated in its relation to other statements. The focus is on discursive procedures that emerge from the repeated connections between statements. The article draws on the interpretative analysis of 35 English language articles published in scholarly and professional LIS journals between 1995 and 2005.

Findings

“Information poverty” and the “information poor” are established as being assigned specific positions in the discourse of LIS as the result of overlapping, sometimes conflicting discursive procedures. The concept emerges as a possibility in LIS by anchoring it in the dominant discourse of development. Traces of development discourse surface in LIS and contribute to the legitimisation of the concept of “information poverty” by lending it authority.

Research limitations/implications

The material selection is linguistically biased. Results and findings are fully applicable only in an English language context.

Originality/value

The article relates the professional discourse of LIS to the dominant discourse of development and thus highlights some of the assumptions upon which the concept of “information poverty” is built. Moreover, the article is intended to contribute to the further development of discourse analysis in LIS.
Adoption of grounded theory in LIS research
Authors: Mansourian Yazdan
Published: September 2006

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementations and implications of Grounded Theory as an exploratory and inductive research method in the LIS studies. The paper seeks to illustrate the opportunities and challenges that this methodology has brought to the methodological paradigms of LIS research body. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on two blended constituents including a selective literature review and the author's personal experience in using Grounded Theory. Regarding the paper's scope it possesses a holistic approach to the issue and does not examine the results of individual reviewed studies in detail. Findings – The results suggest that up to now there have been a considerable number of studies in the LIS area that have successfully employed Grounded Theory. Nevertheless, it does not mean that this methodology is applicable in any research context. Accordingly, there is not a unanimous agreement on the usefulness of this methodology in the research community. Nevertheless, these arguments not only did not diminish the value of Grounded Theory but also helped grounded theorists to enhance this methodology's credibility and trustfulness. Research limitations/implications – Regarding the wide use of Grounded Theory it was not possible to carry out an exhaustive review of all studies that have employed Grounded Theory. However, the reviewed studies in this paper can be considered as a representative of the targeted research body. Providing the research community with an overall image of the applicability of Grounded Theory in LIS research is the main implication of the paper. Future researchers will benefit from the paper by finding out about the nature of this methodology and the aspects that they need to consider before using it. Originality/value – Although Grounded Theory is a widely used methodology, there are few publications about its applicability in LIS research. Therefore, this paper can contribute to the area through providing a holistic picture of the role of this methodology in LIS research.
Cultural entrepreneurship in libraries
Authors: Nijboer Jelke
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show how librarians today need to be cultural entrepreneurs in order to create and maintain thriving libraries in the Internet age.

Design/methodology/approach

The “creative class” theory developed by Richard Florida (2002) has been widely and rapidly embraced by many policy makers around the world.

Findings

Cultural entrepreneurship in libraries is in line with a new and dominant trend seen in many countries in which cities promote themselves as centres of creativity. It is creativity, not the traditional values of trading in goods and services, that is now seen to be the force behind economic growth, especially in metropolitan areas. Growth is mainly determined by the ability to attract creative people, develop a creative atmosphere and build creative clusters.

Practical implications

This creativity development and the interest of local authorities in the creative industry are both opportunities for librarians to promote their libraries and demonstrate their ability to act as cultural entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

What are possible successful strategies for libraries and which competences do librarians need to be successful cultural entrepreneurs?
Achieving “information fulfilment” in the networked society
Authors: Burke M.E.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the idea of information fulfilment. The networked society provides many opportunities for information flow. However, information professionals readily accept that, although one is surrounded by information of many sorts, in many formats, what is important is whether users consider that they ever achieve what is known as “Information Fulfilment”. i.e. occurrences when there has been information which is accurate, timely, current and presented in an appropriate and useful format to allow (work) tasks to be completed.

Design/methodology/approach

This first paper contains a literature review which informed the study. The study (which will be reported in detail in a later paper) was interpretive and used ethnography (through participant observation) as the research tool. The research deals with issues surrounding organisation structures and examines levels of information fulfilment in micro substantive settings.

Findings

The paper serves to introduce background and cultural information from a small section of a larger European research project which involved five countries and was partially funded by TEMPUS and Leonardo da Vinci Socrates grants.

Research limitations/implications

The paper introduces ideas concerning information fulfilment and addresses initial issues concerning a small section of results from a larger project. Phase 2 is now under way and more studies are planned. It is noted that organisation structures are only one variable that affects levels of information fulfilment and there are plans in the future to further extend the study.

Originality/value

The research attempts to link the levels of information fulfilment with types of organisation structures. This paper introduces the concept and gives the rationale for the project.
Stakeholder perceptions presage holistic stakeholder relationship marketing performance
Authors: Murphy Brian , Maguiness Paul , Pescott Chris , Wislang Soren , Ma Jingwu , Wang Rongmei
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To measure marketing performance in a holistic sense.

Design/methodology/approach

To augment the prevailing customer relationship marketing paradigm, a holistic stakeholder relationship marketing paradigm is proposed in which holistic marketing performance is reflected in the delivery of long‐term economic, social, and environmental value to customer, employee, supplier, community, and shareholder stakeholders of a business in order to enhance sustainable financial performance. Present stakeholder attitudes are measured in a stakeholder performance appraisal within a stakeholder relationship marketing model, as timely, early warning signals of future stakeholder behaviour and concomitant future business performance.

Findings

Stakeholder performance appraisal results to date indicate that a holistic stakeholder relationship marketing orientation that incorporates triple bottom line philosophy significantly enhances business financial performance beyond that achieved by a customer relationship marketing orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The stakeholder performance appraisal has been applied to only 33 businesses to date providing scope for wider application of this measurement system to demonstrate its practical usefulness in measuring holistic marketing performance and future financial performance.

Practical implications

The stakeholder performance appraisal provides a perceptual overview of holistic marketing performance and concomitant business financial performance from stakeholders in terms of quantitative ratings of economic, social and environmental performance, and qualitative strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. These data enable a business to plan stakeholder relationship marketing strategies to enhance performance and to predict future financial performance.

Originality/value

The stakeholder relationship marketing model and the stakeholder performance appraisal are new, unique, managerially useful additions to existing stakeholder models and metrics.
The internet, consumer empowerment and marketing strategies
Authors: Pires Guilherme D. , Stanton John , Rita Paulo
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Arguing that increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is shifting market power from suppliers to consumers, the ensuing consumer empowerment is presented as an unintended consequence of marketing. Marketing implications arising from this consumer empowerment are examined in terms of a process where control and management by suppliers over consumer access and enablement are increasingly difficult.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumer empowerment is examined historically, using quality gap analysis to capture an ongoing power struggle between consumers and suppliers. This draws out the limitations of current marketing and management strategies. The different forms of marketing challenges in this new environment are discussed.

Findings

The role of marketing strategies in fostering controlled consumer empowerment is reflected in the development of information‐based consumer‐centric marketing strategies that seek to enable and control delegation. In designing such strategies, consumers' familiarity with and use of ICT are both strengthened and widened, emphasising the uncontrolled nature of the consumer empowerment process.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is literature‐based, focussing on the ICT enabled process. It does not address the psychology of empowerment. Since, consumer empowerment may imply switching suppliers in search of better value propositions, business cannot afford to ignore it, justifying the need for further research of both elements.

Practical implications

Marketing strategy rests on a control premise and the analysis of the consumer empowerment process implies that current customer‐centric strategies are operating under a false premise. There is a need to regain control over the marketing process, that is, to either manage the technological empowerment of consumers, or to devise new strategies cognisant of the possibility that such technological empowerment cannot be managed. The valuation of consumer loyalty in this environment rises significantly.

Originality/value

An historical perspective to consumer empowerment exposes the tensions between suppliers and consumers arising from ICT usage. A separation of consumer access and enablement from control and management by suppliers is shown to have important marketing strategy design implications.
Assumed empowerment: consuming professional services in the knowledge economy
Authors: Newholm Terry , Laing Angus , Hogg Gillian
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper considers the notion of consumer empowerment across the financial, legal and medical service sectors in the UK. Although the advent of the internet is generally seen as potentially enabling consumer empowerment, theoretical papers divide on the question of efficacy. On the one hand, it is argued the much‐vaunted internet opportunity must not be simply taken as evidence of change in the consumer‐producer relationship. On the other the change must not be unquestioningly be taken as advantageous to the consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were generated through ten consumer focus groups and eight interviews with professionals.

Findings

The paper supports the contention that empowerment is partial and unevenly distributed among consumers. It is argued that characterisations of consumer indifference and producer discipline as preventing effective empowerment are too simplistic. Additionally, any taboo restraining the questioning of professional judgement is largely absent from the assumption of choice and of recognition/respect among the consumers participating in the research.

Research limitations/implications

Focus group research does not enable a judgement about the prevalence or distribution of empowerment assumptions among consumers.

Practical implications

It is inevitable that in the broader consumer market professionals will be required to respond to a complex of consumer assumptions and these will include an assumption of empowerment.

Originality/value

Much of the services research in marketing has been set within the service recovery paradigm; given information, consumer power is an implied function of the market. In this paper, we see consumer empowerment as a process of negotiation partially facilitated by information.
Exploring differential effects of supervisor support on transfer of training
Authors: Nijman Derk‐Jan J.M. , Nijhof Wim J. , Wognum A.A.M. (Ida) , Veldkamp Bernard P.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide further insight into the relationship between supervisor support and transfer of training, by taking into account the effects of other transfer‐influencing factors in a systemic approach of the transfer process.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of studies on factors affecting transfer of training was conducted, with a specific focus on the effects of supervisor support, resulting in the development of a research model of the transfer process. All components of the model were measured by means of questionnaires for former trainees and their supervisors, and stepwise regression analyses were carried out to examine the relationships in the model.

Findings

Results indicate indirect relationships between supervisor support and transfer of training, by means of both trainees' motivation to transfer and the transfer climate. The indirect effect of supervisor support on transfer of training is only slight, however. Learning results are shown to be the strongest predictor of transfer of training.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the small sample size structural equation modelling techniques could not be used, thus limiting the possibility to test the model as a single entity. The use of perceptional measures implies the risk of response tendencies from trainees and supervisors. Further research using different measures and different timing of measurement during the training and transfer process is recommended.

Practical implications

Results of this study indicate that supervisor support that is intended to enhance transfer of training can best be directed at improvement of the transfer climate at the workplace.

Originality/value

The paper provides both researchers and practitioners with a further insight into the complex effects of supervisor support on transfer of training, indicating the importance of taking into account the effects of other transfer‐influencing factors.
Word of mouth, brand loyalty, acculturation and the American Jewish consumer
Authors: Steven Podoshen Jeffrey
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The intent of this article is to explore if there is a difference between American Jewish consumers and American non‐Jewish consumers in the use of word of mouth and brand loyalty in response to the purchase of durable goods (automobiles). Additionally, this article aims to explore if there is a difference in the use of word of mouth and brand loyalty among American Jews with differing levels of acculturation.

Design/methodology/approach

This article utilizes survey data obtained from over 400 respondents with analysis performed using regression and chi‐squared analysis.

Findings

This study shows no significant difference in brand loyalty and word of mouth between all American Jews and American non‐Jews, however, a significant difference between highly acculturated American Jews and low‐acculturated American Jews was found.

Practical implications

The article helps firms plan their marketing strategy in terms of how they will utilize word of mouth where American Jewish consumers comprise a significant part of the target market. Additionally, this research helps firms understand the context of brand loyalty in terms of looking at ethnic groups.

Originality/value

Little research on Jewish consumer acculturation has been published in the last 25 years. The spending power of the American Jewish consumer is significantly larger than that of the rest of the American population, which makes the study of this group particularly valuable.
Loyalty trends 2006: three evolutionary trends to transform your loyalty strategy
Authors: Ferguson Rick , Hlavinka Kelly
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine three evolutionary trends that are pushing the boundaries of loyalty marketing in 2006 and beyond. These trends incorporate the power of networks, the power of data, and the power of convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper thoroughly describes three new trends in loyalty marketing, which the authors believe have the potential to affect the strategies of all existing loyalty programs. Various programs that represent ongoing experimentation and innovation are used as examples of each of the trends.

Findings

The paper suggests that by incorporating some of the components of the three trends in loyalty marketing, marketers will see their boundaries expand and their strategies and tactics change. The results will power profits and growth.

Practical implications

It may be true that the biggest revolutions in loyalty marketing happened in the past. But micro‐revolutions in loyalty marketing are happening everywhere. By examining those programs that are innovative and willing to experiment, marketers can learn strategies that can grow their own programs.

Originality/value

The paper takes a look at evolutionary trends in loyalty marketing, with suggestions on how to incorporate these trends into existing programs.
A critical appraisal tool for library and information research
Authors: Glynn Lindsay
Published: September 2006

Purpose

As the interest in evidence‐based librarianship increases, so does the need for a standardized practice methodology. One of the most essential components of EBL, critical appraisal, has not been fully established within the library literature. The purpose of this paper is to outline and describe a thorough critical appraisal tool and process that can be applied to library and information research in an evidence based setting.

Design/methodology/approach

To create a critical appraisal tool for EBL, it was essential to look at other models. Exhaustive searches were carried out in several databases. Numerous articles were retrieved which provided “evidence” or “best practice” based on a critical appraisal. The initial tool, when created, was distributed to several librarians who provided comments to the author regarding its exhaustiveness, ease of use and applicability and was subsequently revised to reflect their suggestions and comments.

Findings

The critical appraisal tool provides a thorough, generic list of questions that one would ask when attempting to determine the validity, applicability and appropriateness of a study.

Originality/value

More rigorous research and publishing will be encouraged as more librarians and information professionals adopt the practice of EBL and utilize this critical appraisal model
Connecting Patrons through Technology: Solutions Presented by Non‐Traditional MLS Students
Authors: Blackburn Gemma , Schaapveld Erica
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To report on the poster sessions from the Tri‐Conference 2006 held in Wichita, Kansas, on April 4‐7, 2006 presented by the graduate students at Emporia State University’s School of Library and Information Management entitled Kansas Libraries Connecting Patrons through Technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a concise review of the poster session.

Findings

The poster sessions demonstrated the special technological requirements of distance learning and how libraries might use that understanding as they face an increasingly non‐traditional patron base.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful summary of the poster sessions of interest to library and information management professionals.
Promotion, turnover and preemptive wage offers
Authors: Block Walter , Lawson Robert A.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The reason for writing the paper is to cast doubt on the claim that the informational asymmetries uncovered by Bernhardt and Scoones constitute a market failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method used is to quote these authors, and then critically comment upon their views. The theoretical scope of the paper is the premise that markets are efficient, effective and ethical.

Findings

It was found in the course of the work that Bernhardt and Scoones were in error in their contentions.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions for future research; this paper is but the tip of the iceberg in terms of claims that markets perform badly, and are hence in need of governmental rectification. This entire literature cries out for more critical analysis.

Practical implications

The public policy and practical implications emanating from this paper is that laissez‐faire capitalism is the best way to organize an economy.

Originality/value

What is new in the paper is that the work of Bernhardt and Scoones on informational asymmetries has not before been subject to critical analysis from the perspective of advocates of the free enterprise system. This is valuable, in that, when claims are subject to critique, they become more reliable. It is only through dialogue and debate of this sort that one can get that in closer to the truth.
How effective is the monetary policy?
Authors: Shokoofeh Fazel
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide logical and empirical explanations as to why monetary policy is ineffective with respect to affecting mortgage rates, and thus investment and aggregate demand.

Design/methodology/approach

Logical and empirical evidence is provided in support of the hypothesis that changes in the money supply have no significant impact on interest rates in general, and particularly on mortgage rates. This empirical analysis is based on a simple regression of changes in mortgage rates on changes in the money supply, and covers the 1990‐2004 period.

Findings

Support was found for our hypothesis that changes in money supply have no significant impact on interest rates.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusion of this paper should be incorporated in all macroeconomics textbooks. Lack of such analyses may leave a confusing or misleading impression about economic theories in the mind of economics students.

Practical implications

One should not rely on monetary policy as an effective tool of stabilization policy.

Originality/value

The message of this paper is to readers of macroeconomics textbooks. This paper has an original value in that it communicates to readers that most macroeconomic textbooks fail to provide detailed and clear explanations as to why very frequently monetary policy does not achieve its objective of stabilizing the economy.