bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus in the German labour market
Authors: Pugh Geoff , Tyrrall David
Published: November 2002

Characteristic successes of Germany’s social market economy include both stability and productivity growth, yet mass unemployment indicates the need for reform. The conventional reform agenda emphasises Germany’s restrictive labour market. However, many targets for reform are elements of an institutional system in the labour market that promotes Germany’s culture of consensus. A model is outlined that synthesises insights from X‐efficiency and business strategy theory to highlight the positive effects of consensus on business performance. The model together with accompanying empirical data suggests that Germany’s consensus culture not only gives rise to negative outcomes associated with labour market inflexibility – in particular, sluggish employment growth – but also helps firms to generate innovation, productivity growth and sustainable competitive advantage. This implies the need for a renewed “social contract”, in which consensus not only generates productivity growth but also sustains a corporatist bias towards employment. Finally, a corporatist reform process consistent with Germany’s cultural and institutional environment is likely to be more effective than top‐down liberalisation in accelerating job creation while maintaining cultural sources of global competitiveness.
Moderator teams: an extension to focus group methodology
Authors: Prince Mel , Davies Mark
Published: November 2002

Traditional focus group methodology involves an individual trained moderator who manages the whole process from writing the focus group guide that directs the topics pursued, the interaction with participants, to interpretation, reporting and client feedback. Since their training, personality and orientation can vary differentially, this may lead to moderator bias. Proposes a new method that involves a series of complementary moderators that target specific areas of the guide that allows them to specialise in their particular experiences and orientations. These moderators are used sequentially on the same groups that offer the potential to avoid many of the problems associated with single‐moderator discussion groups. Moreover, the chance to moderate the moderator keeps a check on how the sessions of each focus group develops, building in feedback between moderators, and reduces the prospects of misinterpretation and side‐tracking by a single moderator.
“Teach ten thousand stars how not to dance”: a survey of alternative ontologies in marketing research
Authors: Chung Ed , Alagaratnam Stephen
Published: November 2002

The functionalist paradigm has informed much of marketing research. In the last several decades, however, there has been increasing debate about the philosophy of science in marketing research. Today, some of the best‐known marketing researchers subscribe to a more interpretive paradigm. But how is this translated into publications in top marketing journals? Attempts to gauge marketing academe’s receptivity of alternative paradigms by surveying a sample of articles published in some of the top journals in the field. From 1970 to 1997, a slight shift towards the interpretive paradigm was found, but these researchers face an uphill battle in terms of acceptance as “mainstream”.
Cross‐national assessment of service quality in the telecommunication industry: evidence from the USA and Germany
Authors: Leisen Birgit , Vance Charles
Published: November 2002

The successful standardization of service quality in the telecommunication industry across multiple nations demands, as a precondition, that the countries in question expose similar service quality dimensions and that the importance of these dimensions to overall satisfaction with the service is also similar. Investigates if these conditions are met in the telephone services sector of the telecommunication industry in the USA and Germany. Confirmatory factor analysis results of various alternative dimensionalities provide the best support for a five‐dimensional conceptualization in both countries. However, the two countries differ in their respective importance evaluations of particular service quality dimensions, which make it difficult to provide a standardized service quality solution. Briefly discusses implications of these results in terms of effective service quality design and delivery for global competitiveness.
Integrated supply matrix management
Authors: Ferrin Bruce G. , Landeros Robert , Reck Robert F.
Published: November 2002

Outlines the total quality management approach used to develop and sustain an undergraduate curriculum in supply management. Illustrates the importance of identifying the primary customer, and using the customer’s needs as the foundation for a curriculum. Examines the importance of empowering faculty and students to create leadership and advance the curriculum. Finally, discusses ways in which faculty, students and business leaders use these three elements to improve the curriculum.
Logistics education
Authors: van Hoek Remko I.
Published: November 2002

Rapid changes in practice and further developments of research in logistics challenge educators to further upgrade their courses. This paper makes a case for a stronger focus on integrating hot topics and research skill development in logistics courses. Methods for improving market and professional relevance of courses, as well as, improve research skills of students are presented. Results from a market and literature survey of topics in logistics, used to identify market relevant topics, are presented. Approaches to research skill development are suggested, including in‐company projects and mini‐research projects. And most importantly, a case is presented of a course where market and research driven skill development was combined successfully. The format for the course is specified and evaluated.
Collaborative learning in logistics and transport
Authors: Vidar Gudmundsson Sveinn , Nijhuis Jan
Published: November 2002

The article reports on the development of a collaborative learning method in two master’s level courses given as part of a logistics track within an international business degree programme. The method, termed the three‐way interaction method (3WIM), combines traditional case teaching and problem‐based learning through high intensity three‐way interaction between student groups. The method involves one group taking the role of problem‐solvers (presenters/consultants), another group taking the role of decision‐makers (company executives/board of directors), while the third group evaluates the performance of the other two groups (skill development/quality improvement). As usual in collaborative learning, the 3WIM is student‐driven, so the tutor takes on the role of a facilitator rather than the main disseminator of knowledge. Comparing the course evaluations of the previous approach to learning and the 3WIM, a statistically significant improvement was detected in satisfaction among students. What is more, the method solved other problems, such as increasing the intensity of the learning experience, reducing passenger tendencies and absences.
How satisfied are academics with the behaviour/supervision of their line managers?
Authors: Oshagbemi Titus
Published: November 2002

Examines the level of satisfaction which academics derive from the behaviour of their line managers. Investigates the impact of certain characteristics of workers on level of satisfaction. Explores the implications of the findings for education, training and development of the workers. Concludes that managers need to undergo development programmes in order to increase their effectiveness level in this area.
Image and reputation of higher education institutions in students’ retention decisions
Authors: Nguyen Nha , LeBlanc Gaston
Published: November 2002

With data collected from 395 students of a business school, investigates the role of institutional image and institutional reputation in the formation of customer loyalty. The results indicate that the degree of loyalty has a tendency to be higher when perceptions of both institutional reputation and institutional image are favourable. The results also show that the addition of the interaction term between both constructs helps to explain more customer loyalty. Discusses research and managerial implications.
Successful training strategies for the twenty‐first century: using recent research on learning to provide effective training strategies
Authors: Dwyer Brian
Published: November 2002

These are exciting times for training as new technologies allow us to understand how the brain functions and learns. The concept of lifelong learning is reinforced by brain research and becomes an important reality for maintaining a lifetime of health and happiness. Research confirms our belief that we all have the brain capacity to learn throughout our lives. This has important implications for the mental and physical health of the ageing population. It also has important implications for training to use strategies that will allow all learners to be successful. Now is the time and the opportunity to examine our training model. to ensure that it embraces brain‐based learning, multiple intelligence and emotional intelligence, bringing to the training environment a special attitude that provides a true understanding, empathy and respect for all learners.
E‐learning: a performance appraisal and some suggestions for improvement
Authors: Honey Peter
Published: November 2002

Reflects on e‐learning with respect to other forms of learning and endeavours to put it into perspective given the extent to which it is currently being hyped. Appraises e‐learning from the point of view of the learner given certain assumptions. Attempts to provide a balanced picture of the pros and cons of e‐learning. Contends that the e‐learning industry is overselling its merits and not focusing appropriately on the learner’s needs. Concludes with some practical suggestions for improving e‐learning performance and acceptance.
Thirteen “must ask” questions about e‐learning products and services
Authors: Morgan Gareth
Published: November 2002

Contends that effective e‐learning requires that the education content be written and delivered very differently than in the past. Proposes to cut through the complexity associated with adopting an e‐learning approach by highlighting 13 key questions that need to be asked in assessing the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of different e‐learning offerings. Asserts that when properly answered, the 13 questions provide a solid basis for evaluating on‐line learning and education products, and for positioning a company’s approach to e‐learning with an eye on the future instead of the past. Includes definitions that illustrate how e‐learning products are evolving.
Gordon Pask’s contributions to psychology
Authors: Scott Bernard
Published: November 2002

This paper reviews the contributions of Gordon Pask, cybernetician, to the discipline of psychology as a methodologist and as a theoretician. Pask was prolific in many fields but especially so in psychology both as an innovative experimenter and an innovative theorist. Over four decades, Pask carried out experimental studies of learning, problem solving and decision making, often using sophisticated computer‐based environments. These latter, in turn, inspired the design of teaching machines and learning environments with practical applications in education and training. Pask’s theorizing while addressing detailed methodological and conceptual issues was also holistic and unifying in intent, not least in his proposals for rapprochements between process, individual and social psychologies.
Prototypical applications of cybernetic systems in architectural contexts
Authors: Silver Pete , Dodd Felix , Holdon Tom , Leung Chris , Pletts Josephine
Published: November 2002

The architectural implications and applications of the work and teachings of Gordon Pask have been explored through a number of avenues, and in particular through his long‐term affiliation with the Architectural Association and more recently as a result of his close ties with John Frazer’s Diploma Unit. Studio Unit 14 at UCL The Bartlett has adopted a programme that continues this investigation into the use of machine logic and machine intelligence to explore cybernetic models of the built environment. As architects, there is an essential spatial/tactile/visual quality to the explorations, so that much of the work is concerned with the relationship between information and form, and in particular, dynamic form. While many fields of research have come to rely more and more on computer generated graphical models, this remains an issue with which architecture is aptly placed to engage – the cybernetic model could well be that of the architect’s traditional role in society. Gordon Pask, of course, knew this, and was always able to arbitrate between an object and a model of information.
Conversational science and advanced learning technologies (ALT)
Authors: Thomas Laurie , Harri‐Augstein Sheila
Published: November 2002

This paper questions the validity of traditional scientific method for the study of human learning and proposes five postulates for the advancement of a conversational science. It considers how an evolving capacity for lifelong learning has been constrained by inappropriate research methods and educational practice leading to a learning deficit in the population. Over 25 years of action research offers solid evidence for the humanisation of science as a conversational research process which respects the individual as a unique meaning constructing, self‐organising learning (SOL) entity. A learning conversation pedagogy which enables learners to act as personal scientists and action researchers and a SOL Systems Seven for a community of action researchers is outlined. Finally, the paper considers how SOL entities can function as catalysts for new forms of ORDER with a potential for the emergence of a new species of learning and of being human.
What have we learnt about student learning?
Authors: Tickle Stella
Published: November 2002

The potential value of student learning research to applied fields cannot be overstated. Research needs to inform educationalists on how students learn with a view to improving teaching/learning systems. This brief review examines the work of major contributors such as Biggs, Marton, Schmeck, Entwistle and in particular Pask, who have looked at both the immediate orientations of learning strategies and at the more permanent phenomena of approaches and learning styles. The author has focused on the early work of these researchers to illustrate the foundation stone on which the research area has been built. Methodology will be examined and the degree to which a balance has been achieved between the conflicting demands of scientific rigour and ecological validity. It is argued that the subtle distinctions and insights drawn within both short term strategies and long term orientations to study were most usefully identified by Gordon Pask.
Classification techniques for person‐job matching
Authors: Zeidner J. , Scholarios D. , Johnson C.D.
Published: November 2002

This paper presents the case for personnel systems based on maximizing the differential information gathered about individual abilities and their match to jobs. In the context of assignment to multiple jobs, such systems are shown to be more effective than those based on the currently dominant paradigm of maximizing predictive validity. The latter paradigm favours the measurement of general cognitive ability over multiple specific aptitudes. Recent differential approaches use computer simulation modelling of alternative hypothetical systems to evaluate potential efficiency. The paper reviews the theoretical background on the structure of human abilities which has led to these contrasting approaches to personnel system design, and presents evidence, based on the US Army selection and classification system, in support of the alternative approach. Individual test/aptitude profiles improve the efficiency of personnel selection and classification as well as academic, vocational and career counselling. They also provide a broader, potentially fairer definition of talent than a unidimensional indicator of cognitive ability, and a foundation for the design of learning and decision environments around learner and user profiles.
Variations on a string bag
Authors: Zimmer R.S.
Published: November 2002

Situation and problem: a course‐writing team needs to converge rapidly to what it regards as: an agreed topic structure, which is keyed to agreed learning objectives, which specify relevant assessment questions in a natural learning sequence. Only then can the team members go away individually to write, knowing that everything that they write will fit together. In normal practice, this convergence is only partial: the topic structure harbors gaps, ambiguities and contradictions; the learning objectives are not keyed explicitly to the concepts in the topic structure; and questions for assessment of learners’ understanding do not directly exemplify conceptually keyed learning objectives. The result is courseware which does not help people to learn as well as it otherwise could, and which has been created with more effort than otherwise would have been needed. This paper shows how systemic methods inspired by Gordon Pask can be used to complete the necessary convergence with ease.
Direct integrative practice, time constraints and reactive strategy
Authors: Adams Jon
Published: November 2002

There has been a movement towards integrating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into the NHS and a growing number of general practitioners (GPs) are personally practising CAM to treat their NHS patients (direct integrative practice). While research has begun to examine DIP, time constraints and related issues – of importance not only to practitioners but also to those purchasing and planning health care – have not yet received in depth attention. In response this paper examines GP therapists’ experiences of the clinical reality of their DIP. The analysis reveals how a lack of time is perceived by GP therapists as a serious constraint upon their CAM practice and also how they employ a number of strategies in an attempt to overcome such difficulties.
Business logic in buyer‐seller relationships
Authors: Leminen Seppo
Published: November 2002

Aims to increase understanding of business logic in buyer‐seller relationships. Increasingly complex, fast‐changing, and dynamic business environments provide a rich research environment for analysing business logic in business relationships. Defines a new concept, the business logic (operation mode), in order to holistically understand projects, services, and packaged products in their lifecycles between and within buyers and sellers. This means offering, delivering, and installing and maintaining the project, service, and packaged product.
Cybercentrism: the new, virtual management
Authors: Alexander Gordon Lansing
Published: November 2002

Examines an emerging need for a new management model based upon evolving technological dynamics within the enterprise. The central question, of whether a new management construct is required to lead industry into the new millennium, is answered with arguments supporting the emergence of a new model. This new model finds support from six highly placed managers who are close to such technological infighting as the bus wars, as well as the costly proprietary resistance of major manufacturing segments to open systems change. These executives affirm the emergence of a new cyber‐management model, tempting the imaginations of those historians who have waited for the next management wave to crest.
Reengineering the motivation to work
Authors: Reis Dayr , Peña Leticia
Published: November 2002

Centers on motivation in work organizations, yesterday, today and tomorrow. To retain qualified employees in an organization and to maintain a satisfactory type of role performance, people’s experiences in the system must be rewarding, particularly if they have freedom to move in and out of organizations. Motivating people to work in the twenty‐first century with theories conceived in the 1800s and early 1900s is likely to be infeasible. After reviewing the major events in the management history of the last 100 years, the authors try to distill the knowledge that will help illuminate the motivation path for present and future managers. The core message is that managers should reconsider the outdated motivational patterns utilized to maintain role performance in organizations. The authors propose a fresh motivation formula for the twenty‐first century, based on “friendship, work and respect”.
Disasters and communities: vulnerability, resilience and preparedness
Authors: Paton Douglas , Johnston David
Published: November 2002

With regard to their utility in predicting the adoption of household hazard preparations, traditional approaches to public education directed at increasing awareness and/or risk perception have proven ineffective. Discusses reasons why this may have occurred from public education, vulnerability analysis, and community resilience perspectives and outlines strategies for enhancing preparedness. Describes a model of resilience to hazard effects that has been tested in different communities and for different hazards (toxic waste, environmental degradation and volcanic hazards). Drawing upon the health education literature, introduces a model for promoting the adoption on preparatory behaviour. Discusses links between these models, and the need for their implementation within a community development framework.
International supply chain management in an Internet environment
Authors: Overby Jeffrey W. , Min Soonhong
Published: November 2002

This conceptual paper argues that the emergence of Internet commerce is presenting a significant challenge to traditional internationalization explanations. Given rapid accessibility to customers and suppliers around the world, businesses appear to be turning towards networks of cooperation rather than external control structures. International supply chain management is proposed as a process of internationalization representing the implementation of a global uncertainty‐driven new network orientation. A network orientation is proposed to encourage more integrated levels of I‐commerce adoption which, in turn, further strengthens the relationship between a network orientation and its implementation. A number of propositions are presented along with a discussion of future research issues.
The impact of the Internet on the distribution value chain
Authors: Wynne Clive , Berthon Pierre , Pitt Leyland , Ewing Michael , Napoli Julie
Published: November 2002

The Internet is an important new channel for commerce in a wide range of industries. While the opportunities afforded by this phenomenon seem readily apparent, there is still much debate and speculation on exactly how the use of the Internet and in particular the World Wide Web will affect established industries. In this article we analyse the value chain of the tourism industry, using as a case study the tourism industry in South Africa. Specifically, we examine the roles played by intermediaries in the distribution chain and explore the threats and opportunities that the emergence of the Internet, and other associated trends, present for the industry. Based on this, a profile is made for successful new intermediaries and, finally, we assess the implications of this profile on the control of the electronic channel.
Selling drugs online: distribution‐related legal/regulatory issues
Authors: Spain Judith W. , Siegel Carolyn F. , Ramsey Rosemary P.
Published: November 2002

The online distribution of prescription‐only pharmaceutical products raises serious legal and regulatory issues, including how governments, agencies, or organizations will regulate and monitor such activities, particularly when the distributors are offshore Web sites. This paper discusses the current regulatory environment for marketing prescription‐only drugs online and distributing them across national borders, along with product liability issues. Four hypothetical scenarios focus on key legal and regulatory issues.
The tug of work and family
Authors: Fu Carmen K. , Shaffer Margaret A.
Published: November 2002

Examines the influence of family‐ and work‐specific determinants of multiple forms of family interference with work (FIW) and work interference with family (WIF) conflict. Using a Hong Kong university sample (including both academic and non‐academic staff), finds that parental demands and hours spent on household work were important determinants of FIW conflict and that role conflict, role overload, and hours spent on paid work influenced WIF conflict. Differential gender effects for FIW and WIF conflict support the traditional gender roles embedded in Confucian ethics. Moderating effects of spouse support, supervisor support and domestic support were also found, although the latter was opposite to the direction hypothesized. Implications for future researchers and managers are discussed.
Rethinking participative decision making
Authors: Parnell John A. , “Rick” Crandall William
Published: November 2002

Revisits Parnell and Bell’s arguments that managers have different propensities for participative decision making (PPDM) and develops a modified scale to measure the construct which includes commitment and cultural components. Specifically, findings suggest that a manager’s PPDM is a function of four core factors: beliefs concerning the effectiveness ofparticipation, perceptions about the effect of participation on the manager’s power, theculture of the organization in which the manager operates, and the presence of a genuine commitment to participative decision making.
HRM in international firms
Authors: Monks Kathy , Scullion Hugh , Creaner Jane
Published: November 2002

Indicates that international human resource management (IHRM) is becoming increasingly important in a growing number of Irish international companies, which, while large in national terms, are medium‐sized when compared withother European and North American multinational firms. The findings of the research suggest that the development of comprehensive IHRM policies and practices may enable smaller firms to be more proactive in their approach to internationalisation and to have a greater choice over the types of markets and countries they enter.
Expatriate management practices and perceived relevance
Authors: Suutari Vesa , Brewster Chris
Published: November 2002

Expatriate management practices, such as selection, preparation, liaison with home country representatives, performance evaluation, repatriation, and career planning, are often found to fall short of the wishes of the expatriates themselves. Reports the results of a recent survey among Finnish expatriates operating around the world, which examined their opinions of their company’s practices. The results indicate that, whilst the expatriates were not entirely satisfied with the way they were managed, the management of Finnish expatriates may be closer to prescriptions of good practice than those reported from elsewhere. Potential reasons for this are explored.
The added value of MBA studies – graduates’ perceptions
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Leeming Anne
Published: November 2002

The goal of Master Business Administration (MBA) programmes is to add value to its graduates and make them better managers. Reports on a study which provides a comprehensive evaluation for the impact of an MBA programme of a leading UK business school on the competencies, skills, self‐perception and careers of its graduates. The results demonstrate the value that these MBA studies generate for individuals and their employers. Based on responses of 344 graduates, now working managers, the output of the study clearly indicates the value they have gained from their MBA. This is seen in increased managerial skills, self‐confidence and several aspects of career development.
Ultramarginal cost in da Empoli’s work
Authors: Di Matteo Massimo , Luini Luigi
Published: November 2002

Highlights the theory of competition advanced by da Empoli in the late 1920s. The main point is the existence of discontinuities in industrial concerns. This leads to the possibility that prices exceed marginal costs and depend also on ultramarginal costs, a new concept elaborated by da Empoli. They are costs that are incurred when the firm is producing beyond the marginal production. Also reviews the various implications of this approach. Stresses the innovative character of his approach and evaluates this in relation to contemporary and successive literature.
Attilio da Empoli’s English language reception
Authors: Senn Peter R.
Published: November 2002

This is a study of Attilio da Empoli’s reception in English. Describes the search to find his works or references to him. Gives details of the search process. There are only a few references to his work in English. There is nothing about his life in English. The first biography in English, “Attilio da Empoli’s Life” is given. Describes and discusses his reception in the English language, including comments on the historical context in which his writing occurred. Contains observations about his only book in English and the theory it contains. Concludes that he deserves more recognition than he has received. Contains suggestions about the kind of research program that is needed to put him on the record in English.
Issues of public finance theory in Attilio da Empoli’s scientific work
Authors: Fausto Domenicantonio
Published: November 2002

Examines Attilio da Empoli’s contributions in the field of public finance. This scholar was endowed with particular scientific qualities which allowed him to give original contributions to the theory of public finance, in particular in the field of oblique and backward tax shifting. The other main topics of da Empoli’s critical reflection concern tax shifting in relation to cost conditions, the shifting of a general income tax and the methodological aspects of the joint analysis of the tax and expenditure sides.
About a dispute of some time ago: Umberto Ricci vs Attilio da Empoli
Authors: Fusco Antonio Maria
Published: November 2002

Reconsiders Umberto Ricci’s harsh comments on the book of the young Attilio da Empoli about the Theory of Economic Equilibrium and also re‐examines da Empoli’s original theses about “ultramarginality” that aroused Umberto Ricci’s fierce criticism. In his reply, da Empoli punctually rebutted those comments, but Ricci did not answer back, probably in order not to lend himself to act as a resonance chamber. In fact, da Empoli’s approach, which led to doubt being cast on the competitive equilibria of Marshallian memory, seconded the criticism brought forward at that time against dominant orthodoxy. And Ricci really was an economist who acted inside orthodoxy and claimed to keep on doing so.
Attilio da Empoli’s contribution to monopolistic competition theory
Authors: Horst Keppler Jan
Published: November 2002

Considers the contribution of Attilio da Empoli to the theory of value and distribution and especially his contribution to the theory of monopolistic competition. During the 1920s a lively discussion developed about the link between the cost structure of the individual firm and the degree of competition in the wake of the demise of the Marshallian concept of the “representative firm”. In this context, Attilio da Empoli contributed two monographs with the declared intent to provide a new theory of value. While falling short of this ambitious objective, shows that Attilio da Empoli formulated a number of original insights that were fully developed only many years later. The two most important of these concern the contestability of markets (“external competition”) and the inadequacy of the Cournot solution for spatially differentiated firms that compete with otherwise identical products.
A note on the dynamic content of the notion of ultramarginality
Authors: Luigi Porta Pier
Published: November 2002

Emphasizes some aspects of ultra‐marginality in Attilio da Empoli’s main contributions and argues that those concepts could have provided a prelude to a wider reconsideration of dynamic theory in political economy.
Notes on Attilio da Empoli’s Teoria dell’Incidenza delle Imposte
Authors: Ryan Christopher
Published: November 2002

This paper is a preliminary examination of a recently available translation of Attilio da Empoli’s 1926 Theory of Tax Incidence. This work has remained practically unknown to English readers despite considerable recognition in Italian and German journals. Compares and contrasts da Empoli and his book with two authors writing independently on tax incidence in close temporal proximity: Harry Gunnison Brown and Otto von Mering. Illustrates da Empoli’s novel ideas such as “oblique tax shifting” along with some of his numerous differences with the leading authorities of the time on the subject: Seligman, Edgeworth and Pantaleoni. Finds da Empoli’s work to be an early effort at extending questions of tax incidence beyond the boundaries of a narrow partial equilibrium approach.
Da Empoli’s theory of equilibrium in retrospect
Authors: Meijer Gerrit
Published: November 2002

Tries to assess the place of Da Empoli’s Theory of Economic Equilibrium, a book on the development of thinking on market structures and price theory. It is an early and important, though almost neglected, contribution. Neglected because the main developments in the 1930s and later on were on market classifications and theories of pricing within these market structures, as developed by Chamberlin, Robinson, Stackelberg, Triffin, and de Jong. Chamberlin and Robinson who knew the study either did not pay attention to and/or did not understand the true nature of the work. The approach was too different from theirs. Da Empoli’s work is on the process of competition. In this he has affinity to work of Knight and Clark written in the 1920s. This approach had some later defenders in the 1940s in Clark, Eucken and Hayek. Around 1960 it got a more prominent place in the work of Clark, Hayek, de Jong and Stigler. At almost the same time the other approach petered out, casu quo came to a close.
Competition as a rivalrous process
Authors: Wagner Richard E.
Published: November 2002

The Theory of Economic Equilibrium was written in the period of what George Shackle calls the “Years of High Theory”. Unlike the works that Shackle discusses, da Empoli’s volume received little attention and played no part in shaping the analytical formulations of the time. The Theory of Economic Equilibrium offered an alternative to the then conventional approach to the treatment of competition as an adjective. For da Empoli, competition was a rivalrous process, a verb. It is arguable that had da Empoli’s formulations found their way into the literature of the time, the recent revival of interest in competition as a process would now be at a more advanced state.
Benchmarking business processes in software production
Authors: Seen Megan , Beaumont Nicholas , Mingins Christine
Published: November 2002

Organisations constantly seek improvement of organisational practices or market positions by implementing improvement programs and quality initiatives such as ISO certification. An improvement project is any project that aims to make a business process more efficient, flexible, reliable or responsive; or raise the quality of working life. Notes that few organisations make the effort to evaluate the effectiveness of such improvement programs, explores why this might be so, and describes some of the benefits of undertaking evaluation activities. Presents a methodology for selecting Key Performance Indicators most appropriate to selected business processes and assessing an improvement program, and describes the methodology’s implementation in a small Australian software company. Stresses that measurement of performance before and after ostensible improvements is needed for objective assessment of change processes.
Fragmenting the function‐process interface
Authors: McAdam Rodney
Published: November 2002

Business functions and business processes are two constructs that have emerged as key elements of the Reengineering and Benchmarking discourses. Historically there has been an implied dichotomy between functional “silos” and cross‐functional processes. It is contended that the resultant dualism has led to oversimplification of the interfaces in process based organisations. Seeks to extend the function‐process organisational constructs into a more multi‐faceted issue where many differing organisational groupings are linked by business processes, as in the case of network organisations. A multiple case research methodology was applied to organisations, which were at different stages of function‐process development. The key research question was to determine the key factors involved as an organisation moved from a more simple function‐process perspective to a more complex network‐process development. The findings indicated that process benchmarking was a key element throughout this development and that the approach taken to benchmarking also changed throughout.
Commentary ‐ Image‐manufacturing in the USA: recent US Presidential Elections and beyond
Authors: Newman Bruce I.
Published: November 2002

Now that we have entered the new millennium in politics, it is clear that the machinery of the “old politics” that was centered on a party‐orientation is being replaced by computers of the “new politics” that is centered on an image manufacturing‐orientation. Along with this movement comes a highly integrated marketing strategy that is driven by a candidate’s inner circle of advisors who now control the money and message of both the party and candidate organization. This makes for a very easy transition from election to governing, as the top advisors during the campaign become top advisors to the leader and the key architects of the party administration. All of the advanced marketing techniques and tools that have been used in politics over the past several years are becoming more sharply focused on one central theme, and that is to manufacture a winning image for the leader and his/her party. The 2000 US Presidential Election will be used as a case in point to examine how this process works and what impact it will have on politics in the future.
Payment on delivery ‐ Recognising constituency service as political marketing
Authors: Butler Patrick , Collins Neil
Published: November 2002

The notion that political marketing occurs only during formal campaign periods is discarded in the political marketing literature. Political campaigns, rather than being periodic, are “permanent”. Accordingly, the attention of political marketers must increasingly turn to the analysis of how and when politicians serve their communities or constituencies. Indeed, the kinds of services commonly associated with political influence and constituency activity indicate a convergence of politics and public sector service provision. In this essay, the nature and effects of constituency‐focused service delivery are examined as an integral part of political marketing.
“Selling socialism” ‐ The marketing of the “very old” British Labour Party
Authors: Wring Dominic
Published: November 2002

Examines the historical role of marketing within the British electoral process. Based on historical research and drawing on a voluminous amount of documentary analysis, seeks to assess how and when marketing thinking and techniques first began to gain currency within the British Labour Party between 1918 and 1939. Demonstrates how Labour, an organisation traditionally regarded as being resistant to change, contained influential people keen to experiment with new campaign techniques and ideas.
The product, sales and market‐oriented party ‐ How Labour learnt to market the product, not just the presentation
Authors: Lees‐Marshment Jennifer
Published: November 2002

Comprehensive political marketing informs how parties determine their policies and organisation, not just how they campaign. This article applies the marketing concepts of product, sales and market orientation, combined with tools such as market intelligence, to party behaviour as a whole. Producing a comprehensive theoretical framework, it explores how a product, sales and market‐oriented party would behave and go through a marketing process. This framework is used to analyse the British Labour Party, showing how Labour moved from a product‐oriented approach in 1983, through to a sales orientation in 1987, finally achieving a market orientation – and electoral success – in 1997. This demonstrates the potential of political marketing to deepen our understanding of a wide range of political behaviour.
Delusions of grandeur? Marketing’s contribution to “meaningful” Western political consumption
Authors: Dermody Janine , Scullion Richard
Published: November 2002

This paper explores the contribution of marketing to Western politics. Moving away from traditional views of marketing located in means‐end relationships, it examines contemporary views of marketing that focus on consumption as a process of signification and representation. This more radical perspective offers contemporary insight into the many manifestations of political consumption, and the meanings the electorate ascribe to them, both individually and socially. This contemporary approach challenges critics’ claims that marketing encourages politics to be shallow. It offers far more in‐depth insight into the electorate and their appreciation, understanding and relationship with politics.
The “Americanisation” myth in European political markets ‐ A focus on the United Kingdom
Authors: Baines Paul R. , Scheucher Christian , Plasser Fritz
Published: November 2002

The existing debate in the political science literature on the transfer of US campaign expertise to Western Europe is largely based on observations of campaign evolution and, to a limited degree, on surveys of US political consultants. This article attempts to provide a deeper understanding of some of the problems associated with the practical application of US political marketing expertise in European political markets, focussing primarily on the UK. The paper investigates this transfer of US campaign expertise using both a political science‐diffusion perspective and an international marketing‐market entry perspective, suggesting that the two perspectives are mutually reinforcing. Qualitative data were collected from interviews with US political consultants who had consulted to British political parties at the 1997 British general election and with three academics who are renowned researchers in this field. The paper argues that, because of the very different contextual environments and their implications for campaign conduct, the potential for “Americanisation” is limited through indirect export methods. The paper further argues that US political consultants could penetrate the European market for political consulting services through a more customised offering using indirect export methods or a more standardised offering using direct export methods.
Commentary ‐ Machiavelli, political marketing and reinventing government
Authors: Harris Phil
Published: November 2002

Niccolò Machiavelli is used as a guide to some of the key issues facing modern government and applies his insights into the effective management and development of civic society. Political marketing, good governance, lobbying, ethics and effective communication with the consumer is developed.
Achieving high performance through e‐learning
Authors: Little Bob
Published: November 2002

Under pressure from modern business conditions and practices, technology is being harnessed to help more people learn more things quicker than ever before – thus enabling them not only to do more things but to do new things, and do them better than would have been the case under the traditional, instructor‐led training system. There is a danger, however, that people will fall in love with “technology” and ignore the value of ensuring that e‐learning materials cater for learners’ needs and follow the principles of effective instructional design. One of the leading companies in the field of producing custom built e‐learning solutions, VEGA Skillchange, outlines both its philosophy and the process it uses to ensure that this is the case. Finally, three case studies – Standard Life, Gartmore Investment Management and DailmlerChrysler – illustrate how e‐learning is being used effectively in different contexts to produce competitive advantage.
Privatization and social responsibility
Authors: Prizzia Ross
Published: November 2002

Provides a synthesis and critical evaluation of the results of existing research on privatization utilizing an international review and comparative analysis of relevant factors of economic and social performance. Based on the results of this analysis, it appears that the economic benefits of privatization activities promoted as a panacea by many public and private sector managers, are on average modest at best, while the social benefits are often mixed and uneven. Moreover, it seems that the role of privatization as a means of reforming the public sector has expanded internationally in scope and at such a rapid pace, that in many cases, the importance of objective and balanced measures of its overall effectiveness and impact on the affected communities need to be reexamined. Recommends that those responsible for planning of future privatization activities should refocus the present economic emphasis and strive for a balance of economic and social performance to improve long‐term benefits for all sectors of the affected communities.
The role of public‐private partnership in port information systems development
Authors: Bagchi Prabir K. , Paik Seung‐Kuk
Published: November 2002

Development and management of ports is a major objective of economic development in many countries. As ownership and operations of seaports have traditionally been in the public sector, restructuring has often been slow and frustrating. Public‐private partnership has been offered by many as a solution. This paper reviews a project at Pusan port, South Korea where close public‐private partnership was the key to success. Relying on the experience gained from the Pusan port, a process model has been offered that many other ports in developing countries can use to achieve successful public‐private collaboration.
What information do customers use when choosing a restaurant?
Authors: Pedraja Marta , Yagüe Jesús
Published: November 2002

The need to acquire restaurant services may be motivated by various reasons but, whatever the reason, the potential customer has to search for information on the desired service in order to compare the alternatives and make the best purchase decision. Knowing how potential clients make this information search is fundamental for restaurant company managers so that they can carry out marketing communications strategies that facilitate the selection of their restaurant by potential customers. This paper examines the external information search process carried out by potential customers. It aims to determine what information search activities are carried out and what the motivating factors are for these activities. A survey was used to analyse the services offered by restaurants in the city of Zaragoza in the north‐east of Spain. The results of the survey and implications for restaurant managers are discussed.