bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow: the “silent” pillar
Authors: Wilson David A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, quite simply, to sound a clarion call; to encourage educators to focus on the markets in which they function and to be vigilant in their unrelenting in their pursuit of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper argues that this ebullient market space will engender a host of new providers prepared to exploit the market through lower quality offerings. The challenge to higher education is continuing to hold the “high ground”.

Findings

Most accreditation agencies are thorough in their evaluation of faculty and curriculum. But none considers the quality of the student body to be a matter worthy of evaluation. This implicit denial of the importance of the “student” in the process profoundly weakens the accreditors’ claims of “value”.

Originality/value

This is a “practical” paper at its root. As an industry, we all risk the devaluation of our currency when we fail to protect it. The MBA and other graduate degrees in management and business represent a robust currency today but these degrees are coming under assault on many fronts by those who would capitalize on the investment of others.
Challenges facing business schools in the future
Authors: Cornuel Eric
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Forward‐looking schools around the world are beginning to implement changes to their curricula, their marketing strategies, their alliances and partnerships to face the challenges of the increasingly competitive business education market of the future. This paper seeks to identify success factors for business schools in their competitive environment, and to provide some recommendations for higher education in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the current challenges faced by business schools and those posing a threat for their success in the future. Furthermore, the paper proposes tools and strategies for facing these challenges.

Findings

The successful business school of the future will offer innovative programmes, backed by the appropriate resources to guarantee an excellent faculty body, an international experience and a multi‐cultural environment to its students. At the same time, successful business schools will seek accreditation and quality improvement programmes to prove to the market that they are committed to excellence and innovation.

Originality/value

The paper encourages business schools to ensure an adequate level of resources to concretize their mission statements and afford qualified faculty, to globalize their faculty and student body but also their curricula, to create links with other schools and companies, and to train students to become globally responsible leaders.
Progressing the rights to light debate
Authors: Chynoweth Paul
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper examines the origins of the so‐called “grumble point” (a sky factor of 0.2 per cent) as the measure of daylight adequacy in rights to light disputes. It seeks to identify the rationale, and underlying scientific basis, for the adoption of this standard in the early twentieth century.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of archive materials.

Findings

The use of the 0.2 per cent standard does not appear to be based on empirical investigations involving human perceptions of adequate light. No evidence exists of the investigations reputedly undertaken by Percy Waldram during the early twentieth century. Waldram's own writings suggest that the standard began as a “rule of thumb” and was only later justified by reference to other independent reports. These generally do not support the use of the standard and, in any event, were soon superseded by other reports that concluded that it was too low. There is a lack of reliable evidence to justify the original adoption of the 0.2 per cent figure, and many of the assumptions underpinning modern rights to light practice are found to be based on inaccurate information.

Research limitations/implications

Continues the debate, started in this journal in 2000, about the future of surveying practice in rights to light disputes.

Practical implications

Places new information in the public domain which has implications for the professional liability of surveyors advising clients in rights to light cases.

Originality/value

Presents the first investigation into the original scientific basis for modern rights to light practice since its introduction in the early part of the twentieth century.
Intelligent buildings with radio frequency identification devices
Authors: Sommerville James , Craig Nigel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The drive for intelligent buildings continues unabated. An intelligent building (IB) is one that provides a responsive and supportive environment within which an organisation can attain a range of objectives, i.e. a building within which the building fabric, space, services and information systems can respond efficiently to the initial and changing demands of the owner, the occupier and the broader environment. This responsiveness requires the ability to collect data and initiate processes which effect changes. Application of radio frequency identification devices (RFID) to the components and processes undertaken within the building allows enhanced data management and process manipulation. The purpose of this paper is to outline how buildings and their management are being changed by the adoption of RFID.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the characteristics of RFIDs and their application in one specific function: the evacuation of a building during a fire. The potential for RFIDs to aid surveyors/facilities managers in many facets of their working life is also highlighted, and a number of additional application areas are discussed in general terms with their impact reviewed in terms of responsiveness and support to the occupants.

Findings

The core area of providing a responsive and supportive environment is where RFID begins to truly deliver on the drive for an IB. The range and size of the devices and their capabilities renders them suitable for inclusion within the basic building materials and components and also the processes that drive provision of the built environment.

Originality/value

Discusses the possible applications of this new technology.
Fire safety evaluation of restaurant facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Abdul Hafeez Mohammed
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Since the earliest days of mankind, fire has been both a friend and a foe. Restaurant facilities, characterized by the use of fire in their daily activities, pose unique fire risks as large numbers of people may gather at one time to consume food. The objective of this paper is to present the development of a fire safety evaluation tool whereby existing restaurant facilities can be evaluated for the purpose of identifying and eliminating fire hazards, and meeting the minimum requirements of current legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation tool has been developed by synthesizing information collected from an extensive literature review, principally of North American and UK based literature. The authors found it necessary to review causes of fire accidents in restaurants, and the materials and equipment involved in ignition. The paper also reviews restaurant requirements for fire detection and notification systems, fire suppression and extinguishing systems, and means of egress and evacuation systems.

Findings

The evaluation tool consists of 66 items to assess fire hazards, detection and notification systems, suppression and extinguishing systems, means of escape and management, and maintenance measures.

Originality/value

The paper provides a practical focus for property and/or facility managers responsible for day‐to‐day business operations of restaurant facilities and for surveyors inspecting such properties.
A whole life costing input tool for surveyors in UK local government
Authors: Hunter Kirsty , Hari Subashini , Kelly John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the project was to develop a framework document and input tool for use in local government to enable quantity surveyors and others with enough knowledge to produce a life cycle costing analysis with the minimum of effort. The general perception in the surveying profession of the complex formulae associated with whole life costing (WLC) has led to it being described by local government as “a nebulous concept that falls on deaf ears”. This paper seeks to describe research to develop a user‐friendly approach using a generic software input tool accompanied by a framework document designed specially to assist in WLC analyses. An explanation of the mathematical formulae used is also given.

Design/methodology/approach

The research project was commissioned by the Society of Construction Quantity Surveyors (SCQS) in mid‐2004 and to date has involved the development of a framework document and WLC input tool which has been tested by local government. The project is in the final stages of completion and training on WLC and use of the developed input tool has commenced.

Findings

The feedback from use of the developed tool by local government quantity surveyors has been positive and the benefits of using such a tool are evident amongst the surveying profession.

Practical implications

The researchers have had to overcome a number of challenges to ensure the effective running of the tool to the satisfaction of the prospective users – quantity surveyors in local government.

Originality/value

A framework document and software tool have been specifically developed for use by quantity surveyors in UK local government.
The impact of RICS education reform on building surveying
Authors: Wilkinson Sara , Hoxley Mike
Published: January 2007

Purpose

It is of major concern to the surveying profession that the seven years between 1994 and 2001 witnessed a decline in the numbers of UK student surveyors of nearly 50 per cent. This was significant, especially when considered in the context of rising student numbers overall. The RICS decided to implement an education policy with the aim of increasing graduate quality. Changes were introduced in UK universities from September 2001. A number of universities saw their professionally accredited courses withdrawn as the RICS imposed academic entry standards and research output based on the UK Government's Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) criteria on which to base their “partnership” relationships. Figures released by the RICS in 2003 indicated that surveying student numbers increased by 17 per cent in all areas except building surveying, where they fell by just under 25 per cent to 445 in 2001. The paper seeks to answer a number of questions. Why were building surveying courses failing to recruit students whereas other surveying courses have increased their numbers? If the figures continue to decline or remain at these low levels, what is the future for the BS? In short, could building surveying become an endangered profession?

Design/methodology/approach

All UK university BS course leaders were approached by questionnaire and approximately half responded. The study was partly funded by the RICS Education Trust.

Findings

The small amount of quantitative data collected suggests that recruitment is static at a time when other built environment courses are recruiting well. Course leaders expressed strong views about the impact of the education reforms.

Research limitations/implications

Failure by some BS course leaders to provide some statistical data prevented completion of the quantitative part of the study.

Originality/value

Key recommendations have been made to the BS Faculty Board of the RICS about the future of BS education.
Sustainable design in its simplest form
Authors: Siu‐Yiu Lau Stephen , Garcia Renato , Ou Ying‐Qing , Kwok Man‐Mo , Zhang Ying , Jie Shen Shao , Namba Hitomi
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aims of the study are to analyze the features of a socially self‐contained society; to analyze the features of an environmentally sustainable society; and to generate a discussion on an indigenous approach towards the sustainable design of communities, particularly through the study of the round village for its unique form and performance in terms of sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers from an international group undertook a field study of a number of specimen round and square shape Hakka villages in December 2004. They discussed their preliminary findings with local academics regarding significant attributes for sustainable design principles, and summarized lessons by means of spatial and construction studies that inform contemporary urban designers' knowledge and practice of sustainability through indigenous architecture.

Findings

Through reinterpretation of Feng‐shui theory, various observations made were easily and naturally correlated to basic laws of sustainability. The biggest message that comes from Fujian round architecture is that a genuine practitioner of environmental and social sustainability relies on a simplicity of approach – a respect for nature.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined primarily to observations by a team of architects and engineers.

Practical implications

Field study of vernacular architecture provides useful information and first‐hand data for researchers on rammed earth structures.

Originality/value

The study of rammed earth structures in remote areas of China, in both coastal and earthquake active zones, offers fresh insight into the integrity and ingenuity of early settlers in sustainable construction. The research provides preliminary findings regarding environmental and construction practice in age‐old Hakka round houses.
Adopting reflexive capability in international briefing
Authors: London Kerry , Chen Jessica , Bavinton Nathaniel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to investigate the architectural firm's role in the briefing process on international projects and to identify the strategies of successful firms to overcome barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is developed based on a critique of briefing models and international design management theory. The development of a reflexive capability model borrows cultural theory concepts of capital and reflexivity. The model is based on maximizing reflexive capability through the management of social, cultural and intellectual capital. Two case studies of architectural firms identify barriers during the briefing process and strategies to overcome these barriers. Data collection involved 16 interviews with senior management and design team staff.

Findings

There are various barriers and strategies used to achieve success in the briefing process. However, the management of a firm's capital is key to successful briefing on international projects and is a characteristic of reflexive practice. Reflexivity is based in a positive interpretation of change, and a continual responsiveness to change by participants in a system. The study provides useful information on management of the design and briefing stages of international projects.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the number of case studies used and the difficulty of generalisability of findings.

Practical implications

The research is that it provides useful information about how to approach constant change during briefing for the architects and clients who work on international projects.

Originality/value

The model is original and has value as it assists in explaining why some firms are more successful than others. The case studies provide new knowledge on international projects and the briefing process. The value of the paper is for the academic community, professionals in the built environment and clients involved in international projects.
A method for performance briefing at the project inception stage
Authors: Smith Jim , Love Peter E.D. , Heywood Chris
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to create a strategically positioned client performance brief with a clear and workable statement of the project requirements specified by a representative group of stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The application describes the relocation of a library with community facilities with a local council. This action research study of the project inception stages used the process of strategic needs analysis (SNA). This approach uses a workshop setting involving stakeholders in identifying a range of strategic options for the project problem. The development of a range of realistic options was aided by the use of a problem‐ structuring computer program, Situation Structuring. Individual workshop participants then expressed their preferences for the final options using a second software package (Strategizer) and after a short period for analysis the results were presented to a second workshop for discussion. The performance brief was then prepared to reflect stakeholders' and the workshop's preferences.

Findings

The process involved is described with the development and selection of organizational strategic options with the council stakeholders. The creation and identification of user performance indicators to guide the design development process is illustrated and a sample from the final performance brief is provided. The project is nearing completion and the local Council considers the process has been a success.

Research limitations/implications

The process described has been developed over six studies in varying client environments in Australia. Further studies are needed in client organisations with a rolling program of capital works to test the robustness of the approach described.

Practical implications

This work can assist the facilities manager to play an important role in the development of the initial performance‐based brief during the project inception stage that can assist clients and guide the design team.

Originality/value

Establishing client needs during the formative stages of a project (before design commences) is becoming an increasingly important role for the facilities manager. This work presents a description of a process that provides the means for clients and facilities managers to ensure that their strategic needs are met within the defined project.
The validity of predicted mean vote for air‐conditioned offices
Authors: Tse W.L. , So Albert T.P. , Chan W.L. , Mak Ida K.Y.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the role of predicted mean vote (PMV) in air‐conditioned environments by conducting a thermal comfort study.

Design/methodology/approach

A formal statistical approach was adopted for the credibility of the study. Thermal measurements and questionnaire filling were carried out in commercial offices to collect the required data. Statistical analysis on the collected data and logical reasoning were then employed to derive the conclusions.

Findings

Provide an evidence to support PMV to be an appropriate thermal comfort index in air‐conditioned environments. Guarantee high productivity of occupants by using PMV in air‐conditioning control.

Research limitations/implications

Future research work should be carried out to investigate any significant relationship between improvement in PMV and the profits gained by occupants inside an air‐conditioned space. With such relationship, it is possible to develop an intelligent air‐conditioning control to yield the most cost‐effective thermal environments for commercial offices.

Practical implications

Air‐conditioning engineers are highly recommended to employ PMV to assess the thermal comfort environment in air‐conditioned offices.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance aspect on choosing a thermal comfort index for comfort assessment in air‐conditioned offices. The index itself should not consider adaptive actions. Otherwise, the productivity of occupants would be severely deteriorated. It is well known that PMV is the thermal comfort index that can fulfill this requirement.
Classifying FM organisations using pattern recognition
Authors: Kaya Sezgin , Alexander Keith
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To demonstrate the unintended negative results of the current rationale for classifying client FM organisations and suggest a classification system that can systematically group FM organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Develops a classification model consisting of ten patterns built on the suggestions from the previous empirical studies for client FM organisations. It then applies these patterns onto 22 in‐house FM organisations in the UK using the pattern recognition's unsupervised clustering for measuring the similarities in the sample population. This results in a detailed examination of the applicability and the validity of the classification system.

Findings

Three classes were found, two of which (Class 1 and 3) include mixed market sectors, while the other involves only healthcare FM organisations. The features of these classes are explained and the further use of the classification system is demonstrated and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The sample population including 22 client FM organisations is not an exhaustive list that can represent all FM organisations in general.

Originality/value

The suggested classification system adds value to the current market sector based classification by introducing ten patterns of FMO, used for measuring the similarities and dissimilarities of FM organisations.
Enhancement of classroom facilities of primary schools and its impact on learning behaviors of students
Authors: Leung Mei‐yung , Fung Ivan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of the enhanced school facilities and the impacts of this enhancement on the learning behaviors of students

Design/methodology/approach

A pre‐ and post‐occupancy evaluation questionnaire was administered in 2003‐2004 to 750 primary students who had studied in both the old schoolhouses and the new Millennium Schoolhouses.

Findings

The results revealed that all of the FM components except teaching tools were improved in the millennium schools, while most of the learning behaviour (LB) components showed no changes. However, an interesting finding was that most of the improved FM components correlated to the enhanced LB of the students in the millennium schools.

Research limitations/implications

There was only a three to four months period between the pre‐ and post‐occupancy evaluation in the study. To ensure the effectiveness of upgraded FM in millennium primary schools and to understand the long‐term impacts on the learning outcomes of students, a longitudinal post‐occupancy evaluation study in these three millennium schools is recommended.

Practical implications

It is suggested that a longitudinal POE study be conducted in these three millennium schools in order to understand the long‐term impact of facilities management in millennium primary schools, especially the impact on the academic performance of students.

Originality/value

Architects and facilities managers should further discuss with teachers about how to encourage students in classrooms to be self‐disciplined, redesign the layout, and reconsider the teaching tools that today's primary students need.
Ward housekeepers in mental health environments
Authors: May Daryl , Suckley Louise
Published: January 2007

Purpose

In the year 2000, the UK Government promoted the concept that hospital services be shaped around the needs of the patient to make their stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. In recognition of this, the Government advocated the introduction of a Ward Housekeeper role in at least 50 per cent of hospitals by 2004. This is a ward‐based non‐clinical role centred on cleaning, food service and maintenance to ensure that the basics of care are right for the patient. Much of the guidance for the ward housekeeper role has focussed on its development and implementation in an acute hospital setting. The aim of this research is to illustrate how the role has been adopted and implemented successfully in mental health environments and the subsequent impact for patient services.

Design/methodology/approach

Four case studies were undertaken in a variety of mental health settings, the principle method of data collection was qualitative semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

Common themes were identified from the case studies relating to experiences of developing and implementing the ward housekeeper role. This paper suggests models of best practice which relate to six main areas of: role, recruitment, induction, training, integration and management. It also demonstrates that the role has been successful and is highly valued by nursing staff.

Research limitations/implications

The study was largely qualitative based and therefore the results do not lend themselves to be generalisable across the NHS.

Originality/value

The paper suggests how the ward housekeeper role should be adapted for mental health settings.
Identifying the initial target consumer for innovations: an integrative approach
Authors: Bowden Jana , Corkindale David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To assist marketing management in the identification and targeting of consumer innovators for novel products by selectively reviewing and integrating three separate streams of research, namely, trait theory, utility‐awareness theory and contemporary cognitive theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of traditional and contemporary research concerned with the identification of consumer innovators is selectively reviewed and critiqued to enhance marketing management's ability to identify and target the consumer innovator segment. This research, which is addressed under three main sections: personal characteristics, utility‐awareness and cognitive structures, is then integrated to provide management with a more comprehensive approach by which to identify and target consumer innovators. Particular emphasis is placed on the contribution of recent cognitive theories.

Findings

The trait dependent approaches in particular, are found to be of limited usefulness in that they identify consumer innovators only retrospectively after initial adoption, as opposed to operating in a predictive manner. It is argued that an approach based upon consumer utility‐awareness, and the more cognitively orientated analogical learning and embedded knowledge structure approaches can provide management with increased control over the process of new product adoption within a target population.

Originality/value

This paper provides management with a new insight into the identification of the consumer innovator by integrating three existing, but somewhat disparate theoretical approaches, and suggests amore comprehensive model for this task.
Customer relationship management research (1992‐2002)
Authors: Ngai E.W.T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To review the academic literature on customer relationship management (CRM), provide a comprehensive bibliography and propose a method of classifying that literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of online databases were searched to provide a comprehensive listing of journal articles on CRM. Six hundred articles were identified and reviewed for their direct relevance to CRM. Two hundred and five articles were subsequently selected. Each of these articles was further reviewed and classified. The review and classification process was independently verified. All papers were allocated to the main and sub‐categories based on the major focus of each paper.

Findings

Papers and research on CRM falls into five broad categories (CRM – General, Marketing, Sales, Service and Support, and IT and IS) and a further 34 sub‐categories. The most popular areas covered by the papers lay in the sub‐category of CRM management, planning and strategy; and CRM general, concept, and study followed by papers in software, tools and systems; data mining, knowledge management, and e‐commerce.

Originality/value

This is the first identifiable academic literature review of CRM research. The bibliography provides an academic database of the literature between 1992 and 2002 covering 89 journals. The classification approach provides a means to conceptualise the coverage of CRM and the relative popularity of CRM topic areas.
Competitive intelligence practices of South African and Belgian exporters
Authors: De Pelsmacker Patrick , Muller Marie‐Luce , Viviers Wilma , Saayman Andrea , Cuyvers Ludo , Jegers Marc
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of the study was to compare competitive intelligence (CI) practices of exporters in South Africa and Belgium.

Design/methodology/approach

An e‐mail and postal survey in a sample of 292 Belgian and 309 South African exporting companies was carried out in which CI‐practices and opinions and attitudes towards CI were measured.

Findings

Most respondents report a “CI culture” in their companies. South African and Belgian exporters are, however, not yet well equipped and not very active to conduct effective CI, especially in the areas of planning, process and structure, data collection, data analysis, and especially skills development. In both countries CI‐activities are usually not organized in a separate department and, if they are, CI is mostly done in the marketing and sales department. Managers from both countries consider similar types of information important, and they rely on similar sources of information. Although the responsibility for CI is more a top management issue in Flanders than it is in South Africa, South African companies have on average a longer tradition of organized CI‐activity and more full‐ and part‐time staff is involved in CI‐activity. These differences can be attributed to the fact that, as compared to Belgium, South Africa is an emerging export country in which the need for more formalised CI‐activity focusing on the collection of relevant data is more apparent.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive study of CI‐practices in the two countries. The results lead to a number of recommendations for the exporting companies in both countries and in general add to the knowledge of the position of CI in companies.
Meet the cyberscape
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To conceptualize the elements that define a “cyberscape” (by analogy with a landscape) and to assess how internet users respond to the cyberscape based upon their purpose and internet expertise level.

Design/methodology/approach

Pre‐tests were conducted to determine the elements of the cyberscape that consumers use to judge the quality of internet sites. The results of these tests indicated that there are 58, which could be classified into 11 dimensions. Linear regression analyses were conducted to predict how frequently consumers purchase merchandise and socialize on the internet, using the dimensions as predictors. Analyses were performed for low‐skill and high‐skill internet users.

Findings

Although consumers respond to all 11 cyberscape dimensions, many are “hygiene factors” rather than satisfiers. Those have to be in place for customers to approach a site, but it is the satisfiers that have the potential to generate customer satisfaction when they exceed expectations. For example, in terms of predicting the frequency of online purchasing among beginning internet users, product selection emerges as the key satisfier among internet beginners, whereas product selection and reliability are significant in the case of expert users.

Research limitations/implications

Managers need to consider all cyberscape dimensions. The hygiene factors are mandatory for satisfying customers and for encouraging approach behavior, but satisfiers are the enhancing dimensions, critical for generating customer satisfaction and loyalty. Future researchers may want to use qualitative methodologies to understand the cyberscape dimensions to which consumers respond at the point of purchase or for information seeking.

Practical implications

Marketing planners can assess their own firm's internet sites on the 11 cyberscape dimensions, survey their customer base to determine which of those are hygiene factors and which satisfiers, and plan their cyberstrategy accordingly.

Originality/value

The paper extends the work of Williams and Dargel, published in volume 22 of Marketing Intelligence & Planning. It also builds upon Bitner's well known “servicescape” framework and the customer‐satisfaction studies of Naumann, Jackson and Rosenbaum.
Idea generation in new product development through business environmental scanning: the case of XCar
Authors: Kohn Kamilla
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop understanding of why the use of business information in new product development proves problematic in practice, and to show how obstacles and difficulties may be overcome by reference to the process of using business environmental scanning (BES) for the purpose in a real organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study based on a single company in the European automotive industry, the anonymous XCar. Data gathering combined participant observation and formal interviews with managers, both of which were scrupulously recorded, coded and interpreted.

Findings

The use of BES for generation of new product ideas should apply creativity to the interpretation of trend analysis, serving as a base for the formulation of product proposals. The literature argues that the process needs to be more exploratory than confirmatory, with the focus on identifying opportunities rather than, as is common, on reducing uncertainty. This case study shows how that was achieved in practice. Likewise, while some authors argue for the importance of the volume of the information collected, others assert that its use is more critical. The case study confirms the latter view, and shows how internal processes converted data into decision‐making and planning inputs.

Research limitations/implications

As with any single‐firm case study, further research is indicated, within other industries and related to different applications.

Practical implications

The results from this single case provide potentially useful insights into the application of business information gathering to the generation of new product ideas, both in theory and in practice. They show how the purpose of the process shifted slowly but steadily in one organisation from confirmation to exploration, though not without difficulty. One key lesson is that the managerial focus must change accordingly.

Originality/value

Few detailed empirical studies are available on the gathering and application of information on the business environment in practice, specifically as an aid to new product development. This study contributes to collective knowledge by shedding light on this area.
Niche market strategy for a mature marketplace
Authors: Parrish Erin D. , Cassill Nancy L. , Oxenham William
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine how companies in the maturity stage of the product life cycle can implement and maintain a successful niche market strategy to increase competitiveness in the face of new competition, with particular reference to the global textile industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Responsible executives in eight firms in the textile and apparel/clothing sector in the USA were interviewed face‐to‐face or by telephone, or completed an online questionnaire. The sample contains leaders in the industry.

Findings

Research results suggest that niche marketing is an effective strategy for countering price competition in a mature industry and can use a niche market strategy. They identify key success factors, the most important factor of which was found to be a thorough understanding of the targeted consumers. It is concluded that the marketing mix plays a more important part than is generally suggested in the literature, by communicating non‐price product attributes to the niche market.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample limits generalization beyond the companies that participated in the study and comparable firms in the US textile and apparel/clothing industry.

Practical implications

This research study shows, within its limitations, that niche marketing is a promising global competitive strategy for mature industries. The study proposes practical guidelines for putting it into practice.

Originality/value

This study generally confirms the literature, but comes to some original further conclusions.
Outsourcing decisions and the purchasing process: a systems‐oriented approach
Authors: Kakouris Andreas P. , Polychronopoulos George , Binioris Spyros
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To propose a framework for purchasing and outsourcing decisions together with a process model for evaluating and assessing possible suppliers. The paper focuses in particular on the “planning” and “qualifying” phases of the process which, respectively, set the criteria and prepare a shortlist for invitations, before the final selection.

Design/methodology/approach

By reference to the literature, past experience and a priori reasoning, a conceptual framework and quantitative model are combined in a checklist to guide responsible managers through a formal, systematic decision‐making procedure.

Findings

The model is fully described, its strengths and weaknesses are discussed, and the modus operandi of the derived decision‐making framework is explained. The system and process are strongly advocated as the most appropriate instrument for the selection of suppliers of outsourced products and services in the contemporary business environment.

Research limitations/implications

The system suffers to an extent from one of its defining strengths: relative simplicity, which may limit its applicability in more complex situations. This emphasises the importance of the procedures undertaken in the “qualification” phase. Assigning evaluative values codes to the various decision parameters involves a good deal of subjectivity, which could lead to misguided decisions. Further research and development is needed.

Practical implications

The advocated selection offers outsourcing decision makers a structured and systematic selection framework, which does not compromise their own professionalism, but rather encourages imagination, innovation, investigation and opinion based on critical observation. Its potential applicability covers the full range of industry sectors, beyond the outsourcing of product and component manufacture which have been the focus of the great majority of published studies.

Originality/value

The paper examines a widely investigated “hot topic” that is in fact surrounded by confusion and misunderstanding. It focuses on aspects of outsourcing practice that have so far attracted little attention from researchers.
Retail marketing strategy
Authors: Lee Yang‐Im , Trim Peter R.J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To show why retail marketing strategists and planners need to develop long‐term relationships capable of building business partnerships based on mutual trust. To show how the relationship marketing principle underpins the implementation of retailing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed review of the relevant literature, with commentary on the application of principles in practice.

Findings

A successful retailing strategy will be embedded within a customer‐driven general business strategy. Marketing managers should plan to develop and sustain long‐term trust‐based working relationships, which take into account organizational and national values. Successful partnership arrangements depend on mutuality and resilience, as well as trust. Marketing intelligence is a vital ingredient in the formulation and implementation of plans to achieve these goals. The “organizational resilience value system” framework proposed here can be used by marketing planners to link organization learning to relationship marketing, and thereby establish a customer relationship management policy that provides the organization with a sustainable competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

Next, cross‐industry and cross‐cultural studies might be undertaken, to examine the similarities and differences in retailing strategy formulation and implementation across national boundaries.

Practical implications

Practitioners and academics must collaborate closely, with the aim of developing new insights into procedures and practices for linking organizational learning policy firmly and formally with the development of customer‐driven retail marketing strategies.

Originality/value

A synoptic view of role of marketing intelligence and relationship marketing in the building of trust‐based relationships and partnerships in international retailing, backed by more than 100 references to relevant published literature.
Protection and internal transfer of technological competencies
Authors: González‐Alvarez Nuria , Nieto‐Antolín Mariano
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how causal ambiguity around technological competencies can help firms to achieve superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditionally, it has been recognised that causal ambiguity of technology represents an effective protection against imitation. Recently, however, researchers have unearthed evidence that the effects of causal ambiguity also could be extending to the interior of the firm itself, hampering the diffusion of its own technological capabilities among its managers. In this case, the existence of causal ambiguity of technology will have a negative impact on firm performance. In this paper both effects are studied in a sample of 258 Spanish manufacturing firms using several statistical techniques.

Findings

The results indicate that causal ambiguity exerts a double‐edged influence on firm performance. On the positive side, by protecting technological competencies from imitation and, on the negative, hampering the diffusion of these capabilities within the firm, with this second effect being stronger.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this work is that there are clearly many other factors that can explain firm performance apart from causal ambiguity of technology. However, as the main objective of the present work is to study the relations between causal ambiguity around technological capabilities and firm performance, it did not seem wise, for operational reasons, to complicate the analysis by including other variables.

Practical implications

In order to achieve better results, firms must use causal ambiguity around technological competencies to protect these competencies against imitation and should make great efforts to diffuse them within the firm.

Originality/value

The results obtained allow one to make a contribution to the debate existing on the literature about the influence that causal ambiguity around technological competencies has on firm performance.
SCM system effects on performance for interaction between suppliers and buyers
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ling
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of supply chain management (SCM) benefits on the interactive performance between supply chain members.

Design/methodology/approach

The contingency theory and socio‐technical theory were applied in the construction of the research model. Four constructs were adopted for the development of the research model: contingency factors, interaction process, interactive performance, and SCM system benefits.

Findings

To respond to the challenges in global markets, an increasing number of enterprises strive for better profits by working closely with suppliers. As the interaction increases, the buyer‐seller relationship changes accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical studies require further analysis and suggestions were also made for further explication.

Practical implications

The interaction between the manufacturing and marketing departments is a determinant for the firm's competitive advantages.

Originality/value

Interviews with six case firms in the information/electronic industry show that external and internal factors affect the interaction between supply chain members and result performance improvement.
A framework for analysing long‐range direct shipping logistics
Authors: Caputo A.C. , Fratocchi L. , Pelagagge P.M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present a decision support system (DSS) enabling the analysis of the cost‐effectiveness of direct‐shipping long‐haul road transport policies, including full truck load (FTL) and less than truck load (LTL) modes, and to select the optimal carrier.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical estimation of transportation costs is provided in a framework including an interactive computer procedure and a dedicated database structure capable of characterizing the logistics system.

Findings

Main criticalities of manual logistic planning are: sub‐optimal selection of carrier and excessive use of LTL transport, while the optimal FTL vs LTL trade‐off is not fully explored in practice.

Research limitations/implications

This is an analysis tool of user‐defined scenarios and does not provide the automatic synthesis of shipments planning. Admittedly, this model does not attempt to optimize the shipping strategy, but to quantitatively assess the effects of the adopted decisions.

Practical implications

Alternative shipping policies can be compared to perform what‐if analyses and explore the outcome of alternative decisions (FTL vs LTL shipping modes) even in terms of transportation expenditures. Allows rapid selection of the optimal motor carrier and assesses the extra cost due to a sub‐optimal choice. Gives the experienced manager a framework for critical assessment of shipping decisions, suggesting improvement areas for cost reduction.

Originality/value

With respect to other software tools for carrier selection provides explicit analysis of extra costs incurred by manual planning, thus becoming a strategic tool for logistic decision making. Furthermore, enables managerial insights to be gained and makes manual planning more effective.
Enterprise security architecture in business convergence environments
Authors: Kim Sangkyun , Seong Leem Choon
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide the strategic model of approach which helps enterprise executives to solve the managerial problems of planning, implementation and operation about information security in business convergence environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A risk analysis method and baseline controls of BS7799 were used to generate security patterns of business convergence. With the analysis of existing enterprise architecture (EA) methods, the framework of the enterprise security architecture was designed.

Findings

The adaptive framework, including the security patterns with quantitative factors, enterprise security architecture with 18 dimensions, and reference models in business convergence environments, is provided.

Research limitations/implications

Information assets and baseline controls should be subdivided to provide more detailed risk factors and weight factors of each business convergence strategy. Case studies should be performed continuously to consolidate contents of best practices.

Practical implications

With the enterprise security architecture provided in this paper, an enterprise that tries to create a value‐added business model using convergence model can adapt itself to mitigate security risks and reduce potential losses.

Originality/value

This paper outlined the business risks in convergence environments with risk analysis and baseline controls. It is aguably the first attempt to adapt the EA approach for enterprise executives to solve the security problems of business convergence.