bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring audit quality in an era of change
Authors: Duff Angus
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider changing perceptions of audit quality in the UK during a period of significant environmental change. The views of three audit stakeholder groups of auditors (n=109 and 183), auditees (n=75 and 121), and investors (n=74 and 111) are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses survey data collected in February 2005, comparing results to a dataset gathered in February 2002, coincident with the Enron/Andersen debacle. Three issues are addressed. First, the construct validity of scale scores is assessed. Second, the measurement equivalence between the three groups is considered. Third, an assessment of group differences and differences attributable to time of administration is undertaken.

Findings

Results identify that audit quality is defined by four higher‐order factors labeled competence, independence, relationship, and service qualities. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated measurement equivalence across groups drawn from the three samples and two time periods. Contrary to expectations, mean scores on the “technical” audit factors (competence, relationship, and independence) fell from 2002 to 2005. However, as expected, no change in service qualities mean scores was identified across the period.

Originality/value

The paper assesses stakeholder attitudes at a time when the UK audit environment has undergone significant change between the 2002 and 2005 administrations of the instrument.
An analysis of graphic disclosure in annual reports: the case of Turkey
Authors: Uyar Ali
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to: discover the nature and extent of the use of graphs by the top 100 companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE), Turkey; compare patterns of graphic disclosure across industries; and assess the correlation between graphic disclosure and the variables: open‐to‐public ratio, firm performance, firm size, and firm profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of the study is content analysis of annual reports of the corporations listed on the ISE for the year 2006.

Findings

The major findings of the study are as follows. About 75 percent of the companies include graphs in their annual reports. The average number of graphs contained in annual reports is 8.6. Financial companies have the highest graph usage per annual report (10.16). The most widely graphed financial variables are sales and earnings; however, earnings per share and dividend per share variables are graphed by none of the companies. There is no correlation between graphic disclosure and the variables open‐to‐public ratio and firm performance. There is a significant positive correlation between graphic disclosure and the variables firm size and profitability.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper are based on the study conducted on the ISE. The results are not generaliseable to non‐listed companies.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the rare graphical studies conducted in developing countries. Moreover, the study is the first of its kind that has ever been conducted in Turkey.
Disclosure and dividend signalling when sustained earnings growth declines
Authors: Hussainey Khaled , Aal‐Eisa Jinan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether voluntary disclosure and dividends signal future earnings for decline earnings growth firms. It seeks to inform regulators (and managers) about the potential benefits of increased disclosure and increased dividends to investors for firms that suffer an earnings decline after a sustained period of annual earnings growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The event study methodology is used to examine the behaviour of 33 non‐financial UK firms after a decline of their sustained earnings growth. It also uses the computerised content analysis to count the number of forward‐looking sentences in the annual report narratives. It calculates changes in disclosure and dividends in the year of earnings growth declines and examine their association with the abnormal future earnings.

Findings

Consistent with prior research, it is found that increasing dividends does not convey value relevant information about future earnings for decline earnings growth firms. However, based on disclosure signalling theory, it is found that increasing levels of forward‐looking information in annual report narratives is an important mechanism for signalling future earnings for these firms.

Practical implications

For an effective communication with the stock market in the years of earnings decline after sustained period of growth, managers should give high priority to developing an appropriate and complete set of forward‐looking information in their annual reports. This will enable investors to better anticipate firms' future prospects. The results suggest that if forward‐looking statements in annual report narratives contain value relevant information for investors, then regulators should consider a compulsory narrative section (i.e. operating and financial review) in the annual report.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to study the value relevance of voluntary disclosure for decline earnings growth firms.
The effect of performance feedback and client importance on auditors' self‐ and public‐focused ethical judgments
Authors: Cianci Anna M. , Lloyd Bierstaker James
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of performance feedback and client importance on auditors' self‐ and public‐focused ethical judgments.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment is conducted in which 71 auditors are assigned to one of four conditions created by fully crossing performance feedback (positive and negative) and client importance (high and low).

Findings

Consistent with expectations, auditors who receive positive (negative) feedback make more (less) ethical judgments in a self‐focused task (a judgment that produces consequences that are relevant for the auditor). Auditors also make more (less) ethical judgments in a public‐focused task (a judgment that has consequences for both the auditor and the public) when auditing a less (more) important client. Finally, auditors who receive positive feedback and audit a less important client make more ethical judgments in both tasks than all other auditors.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that auditors are susceptible to pressures from negative feedback and client importance, even in situations where their decisions will have public consequences, despite regulatory changes intended to enhance audit quality.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that provides evidence that different sources of pressure (performance feedback and client importance) differentially affect ethical tasks differing in decision consequences (self‐ and public‐focused). Such evidence suggests the importance of matching pressure source to ethical task type.
Audit committees: voluntary formation by ASX non‐top 500
Authors: Chen Li (Glenda) , Kilgore Alan , Radich Renee
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between firm characteristics and incentives for the voluntary formation of audit committees by non‐top 500 firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are obtained from a random sample of 224 non‐top 500 firms listed on the ASX for the year 2005. Logistic regression analysis is used to examine the characteristics of non‐top 500 firms who have voluntarily established audit committees.

Findings

The results are consistent with the hypothesis that incentives to voluntarily form audit committees increase with agency costs of debt. The results show a significant and positive association between cost of debt, firm size, number of directors on the board, the proportion of independent directors, independent board chair and the voluntary formation of audit committees.

Research limitations/implications

Results indicate that firm size is not necessarily the primary influence in voluntary formation of audit committees. Board size and the proportion of independent directors and having an independent board chair also have a significant influence on the decision. These results suggest that audit committees will be established in high agency cost of debt situations, where there are economies of scale and are reflective of a desire to reduce information asymmetries and the liability exposure of outside directors.

Originality/value

This study provides useful insights and direction in examining voluntary formation in an Australian context using non‐top 500 firms. The results have implications for regulators in considering making audit committees mandatory for all listed companies.
The transition process from alternative theoretical prisms
Authors: Altman Morris
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the reality of, and, conditions for economic growth for former Soviet and Soviet Block economies with special attention to Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Many of these economies' transition from “Communism” remain plagued by problems of institutional design and outcomes characterized by high levels of corruption and low levels of accountability and transparency. The purpose of this paper is to analyze aspects of these socio‐economic realities in the context of contemporary economic theory and ongoing revisions to it.

Design/methodology/approach

The type of economic theory used to assess issues of transition has significant implications for public policy. Conventional economic theory has traditionally focused on secure private property rights, competitive markets, inclusive of “flexible” labor markets, as the necessary if not the sufficient conditions to successfully and quickly transition from command style to market economies. Little attention is paid to the details of institutional design. The paper applies a behavioral‐institutional analytical framework to analyze important aspects of failures and successes in transition economies using both economic and governance data sets.

Findings

The paper finds that traditional measures of economic freedom are far from sufficient to generate economic growth. Accountability and transparency in governance structures is also required. Economic failure and success are closely connected with overall performance in socio‐economic governance. Also an unnecessary emphasis on low wages, highly constrained social safety nets and labor market policy impedes successful growth and development.

Practical implications

Transition economies' economic performance can be significantly enhanced through improvements in institutional design that facilitates the evolution of high‐wage market economies. The market in and of itself does not suffice to generate successful transitions from command to vibrant market economies.

Originality/value

This paper provides an original exposé and analysis of transition economies from a behavioral‐institutionalist perspective, with important public policy implications.
Institutional change as cultural change
Authors: El Karouni Ilyess
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Through Chinese experience, the purpose of this paper is to underpin the hypothesis of institutional change as cultural change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares Chinese postsocialist transformation to a chemical change reaction. So, the paper discerns initial conditions, factors which triggered the reaction, catalysts, and elements of synthesis. Chinese institutional changeper sederived from a cultural shock induced by the economic, political, and cultural opening which acted as trigger. Then, it deals with the other elements of the process.

Findings

The paper reveals that Chinese postsocialist transformation is based on change in values and mentalities particularly in the Chinese Communist Party. In this perspective, institutional change is not only an economic or a political process but also it is fundamentally cultural.

Originality/value

This paper shows the process of postsocialist transformation in a different light. Whereas, economists often only focus on political considerations or conflicts of interests, it insists on the cultural dimension of the process.
Economic development and unemployment: do they connect?
Authors: Tsaliki Persefoni V.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Unemployment is a systemic element of economic development which need not and “normally” does not give rise to full employment of labour regardless of the flexibility in labour markets. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the common arguments and policy proposals to unemployment put forward by mainstream and Keynesian economics and it continues by exploring the dynamics of economic development and its effects on employment.

Findings

The normal utilization of the capital stock is not necessarily associated with any specific level of employment. As a result, even high levels of unemployment may be consistent with the normal (full) employment of capital, and the degree of flexibility in the labour market cannot affect the above result in any significant way.

Practical implications

The dynamics of capital accumulation continually tend to reproduce a stream of displaced workers. Moreover, the liberalization of the labour market in the effort to increase labour flexibility have contributed to the polarization of income distribution and increased the poverty rate.

Originality/value

The acknowledgment that the normal functioning of capitalism is consistent with a rising unemployment rate may provide policy makers with a solid analytical ground upon which more realistic and viable employment policies can be proposed in the effort on the one hand to reduce unemployment and on the other hand to alleviate its adverse effects on the unemployed and on social cohesion.
The effect of disability on the needs of caregivers
Authors: Vecchio Nerina , Cybinski Patti , Stevens Stella
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The perception among carers and health professionals is that the health care system remains limited in its effectiveness and accessibility to non‐institutionalized people with a mental illness. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of the care recipient's main disabling condition (either physical or mental) on the carer's perceived need for assistance in their role as carer.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data collected from the Australian Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, the investigation involves the non‐institutionalized recipients of care with profound and severe disabilities, aged 15 years and over, residing in private dwellings and their primary informal carers.

Findings

Regression analysis reveals that carers of those with a mental disability are 2.7 times more likely to report care needs unmet compared to carers of those with a physical disability. Further analysis using interactions shows that carers who are the adult children of mentally disabled parents report a comparatively very large amount of perceived unmet need.

Originality/value

If equity is measured in terms of perceived need rather than finite resources a case is made that primary carers of people with a mental disability experience greater burdens in care.
Do internationally cross‐listed non‐US firms obtain more favorable terms for syndicated loans?
Authors: Champagne Claudia , Kryzanowski Lawrence
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of cross‐listing and cross‐listing location on the terms of the private debt of firms not located in the USA. Specifically, the paper examines the empirical relationship between three syndicated loan terms (pricing, maturity and amount) at loan initiation and the cross‐listed status of the borrower (cross‐listed in the USA, UK, through depository receipts or not at all), while (not) differentiating between the stage of economic development of the borrower's home country.

Design/methodology/approach

The three loan terms are modeled as a simultaneous system of equations and are estimated on a very extensive sample of 3,883 observations. The impact of endogeneity biases due to the sequential choices to and where to cross‐list are examined using the inverse Mill's ratios from a bivariate probit model.

Findings

All else held equal, foreign borrowers that are cross‐listed directly in the UK obtain loans with higher spreads, longer maturities and larger loan amounts if they are from economically developed countries. Borrowers from emerging economies pay lower spreads but receive shorter maturities on syndicated loans if cross‐listed in the UK. Cross‐listings in the USA are not associated with any significant differential impacts on the three loan terms.

Originality/value

This paper makes an important contribution to the cross‐listing and capital structure literatures by providing evidence that the net benefit from being cross‐listed for one debt component of the cost of capital (i.e. syndicated loans) depends on the listing destination and upon whether or not the borrower is from an emerging economy. The paper provides practical guidance to corporate financial officers on the benefits of international cross‐listing and the choice of cross‐listing venues on the terms of private debt issues.
The price, liquidity and information asymmetry changes associated with new S&P 500 additions
Authors: Hrazdil Karel
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Using S&P 500 additions, the purpose of this paper is to test the permanence of abnormal returns around the index inclusion announcement and effective implementation dates to differentiate among competing explanations for the index inclusion premia puzzle.

Design/methodology/approach

The event study methodology is used to examine abnormal returns and volume effects around the announcement dates (ADs) and implementation dates of index additions.

Findings

This study documents a twofold increase in trading volume and significant permanent abnormal returns at the ADs that are correlated with subsequent decreases in bid‐ask spreads. There is a fivefold increase in trading volume, but only temporary abnormal returns, around the effective dates (EDs). Taken collectively, the evidence indicates that the permanent return at announcement is best explained by liquidity/information cost explanation, but the temporary return and large trading increases at the ED can best be attributed to the price pressure hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

These results do not support the well documented long‐run downward‐sloping demand curve as the primary explanation for the abnormal returns observed on these dates.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of literature on the index inclusion effect by providing supporting evidence for the liquidity/information cost explanation, and by extending the previously analyzed index additions with an additional five‐year period from 2000‐2004.
Performance differences between IPOs in new industries and IPOs in established industries
Authors: Ang James , Boyer Carol
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a unique approach to examining issues related to initial public offerings (IPOs).

Design/methodology/approach

The price behavior of IPOs in new industries is analyzed relative to IPOs in established industries.

Findings

The results show that there are fundamental differences between IPOs of companies in new industries and those in established industries in that there is greater uncertainty regarding future earnings, less competition and fewer barriers to entry. The results indicate that IPOs in new industries outperform IPOs in established industries during holding periods of one to ten years. Furthermore, IPOs in new industries tend to merge less often, declare bankruptcy less often and are delisted less often than firms conducting an IPO in established industries.

Originality/value

A longitudinal approach allows analysis of IPOs of firms relative to other IPOs within the same industry that occurred before or after. By performing such a longitudinal study, issues could be examined which would not have been possible to analyze using a cross section of IPOs from a single time period. The usefulness of this study is that it provides new information to the investor when selecting between IPOs in new or established industries, and also when selecting among IPOs of firms entering a new industry in the early, middle or latter stage of its market cycle.
Sudden CEO vacancy and the long‐run economic consequences
Authors: Lambertides Neophytos
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the long‐term abnormal returns of firms that have experienced chief executive officer (CEO) succession. According to Chief Executive magazine, directors rank CEO succession as the second most important issue their firms face, the first being strategic planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 202 CEO succession announcements. It utilizes two returns‐generating models to calculate abnormal returns for two estimation windows of 200 trading days before and after the succession event.

Findings

The results support the theory first developed by Guest (1962) that succession is an adaptive event. Specifically, this study shows that firms that experience a CEO change have positive abnormal returns, suggesting that new CEOs raise the firm performance. Moreover, this study shows that firms that experience CEO change due to CEO retirement improve firm performance in the post‐succession period, whereas succession due to CEO sudden death or illness seems to have no direct effect on the long‐term performance of these firms. Finally, this study provides strong evidence that outside successions help firms raise performance more than inside successions.

Research limitations/implications

Like any empirical event‐study, the validity of the results depends on the absence of confounding events. Future research could be to explore the relationship between the information content of the CEO succession announcement and the market reaction.

Originality/value

This paper is believed to be the first attempt to empirically examine the relation between CEO turnover and long‐term firm performance through the analysis of the successor's origin and of the force initiating the change, by using an event study methodology.
Scales in services marketing research: a critique and way forward
Authors: Gilmore Audrey , McMullan Rosalind
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of measurement scales and to illustrate some of the drawbacks of using scales for measuring service quality without due recognition of the limitations and rigidity of such scales, especially when they are applied to the complexity of service marketing situations and contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the most widely used scales in services measurement, including SERVQUAL and SERVPERF is provided, along with some of the conceptual issues surrounding scale design and use in service contexts. Then some qualitative research techniques are considered in terms of their adaptability and flexibility for carrying out research regarding the complex nature of services.

Findings

Measurement scales are evaluated and discussed. The key criticisms of best‐known scales used for services situations are presented. Then consideration is given to what might be a “best practice” scenario for measuring and assessing service‐related issues in a service context.

Originality/value

The discussion draws attention to the importance of recognising the most suitable research method for a service‐specific research problem/question rather than imposing a well known measurement scale or technique that may not suit the purpose.
Analysing the effect of satisfaction and previous visits on tourist intentions to return
Authors: Alegre Joaquín , Cladera Magdalena
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of tourist intentions to revisit a destination, paying special attention to the effects of satisfaction and the number of previous visits. In order to guarantee an incentive to improve the product, satisfaction must be the main determinant. A second objective is to analyse the contribution that satisfaction with different aspects of a destination makes on overall satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model (SEM) has been estimated. Some of the variables involved in the model are ordinal. Thus, tetrachoric, polychoric and polyserial correlations were calculated and then used as the input for structural equation modelling.

Findings

Both satisfaction and the number of previous visits have a positive effect on intention to return. However, the main determinant is satisfaction. Satisfaction with different aspects of the destination has a differing effect on overall satisfaction. Attributes associated with the basic sun and sand tourist product are the main determinants of overall satisfaction.

Practical implications

To promote repeat visits, it is crucial to identify the determinants of the intention to return. The factors that influence this variable can be improved in order to increase the likelihood of repeat visits.

Originality/value

Methods to estimate SEM with categorical variables have not been applied before to the field of tourism. In comparison with previous studies of repeat visitation, the main contribution of the model is that it simultaneously takes into consideration two causal links with the number of previous visits, the first affecting overall satisfaction and the second having a direct effect on a tourist's intention to return.
Does culture affect evaluation expressions?
Authors: Tsang Alex S.L. , Prendergast Gerard
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at product reviews from a cross‐cultural perspective. Product reviews are potentially an influential form of marketing communication, as well as a predictor of sales performance. With Hofstede's typology as a backdrop, the basic proposition of this study is that collectivistic cultural values place more emphasis on giving face to others, even in impersonal social environments, resulting in them giving more positive product reviews than their individualistic counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses content analysis of Chinese and American computer game reviews to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that Chinese reviews use fewer negative comments and give higher final ratings for the same set of products than their American counterparts. In addition, Chinese reviews showed a lower consistency between their evaluative comments and their final ratings. Also confirmed is a common belief that final ratings are a summary of the evaluative comments of the review‐texts.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is invited.

Practical implications

Theoretically, the study refines the understanding of differences between individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Practically, it is suggested that if consumers' cultural values are reflected in product reviews, international marketers should weigh and balance possible cultural bias when they decode evaluations of their products from reviews published in other countries' media.

Originality/value

Product reviews are a rich but ignored resource with high marketing value. It is hoped that the study can stimulate both marketing researchers and practitioners to make better use of product reviews to further understand marketing phenomena and make better marketing decisions.
Store image attributes and customer satisfaction across different customer profiles within the supermarket sector in Greece
Authors: Theodoridis Prokopis K. , Chatzipanagiotou Kalliopi C.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This research seeks to accomplish two objectives: to extend the test of the functional relationship between store image attributes and customer satisfaction in the market environment of Greece; and to investigate the stability of the structural relationships between store image attributes and customer satisfaction across different customer groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature concerning major store image attributes was systematically reviewed. After assessing the construct validity of the store image attributes based on confirmatory factor analysis, a path model specifying the relationships between store image attributes and customer satisfaction was estimated. A multigroup analysis was conducted to test the invariance of structural paths between store image attributes and customer satisfaction for different customer profiles.

Findings

On appraising the store customer's personal variables four specific types of buyers, namely, the Typical, the Unstable, the Social, and the Occasional, were identified. While four of the six considered store attributes appear to be significant determinants of customer satisfaction, when examined for the degree of invariance between the four groups only Pricing and Products‐related attributes were equally significant in all four groups.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study may vary with national context, size, strategic position of supermarkets, and other customer personal variables (i.e. lifestyle) suggesting future research opportunities.

Practical implications

The results facilitate the comprehension of the role that specific store attributes have on the satisfaction of store visitors with different profiles. In addition, the results expand the retail manager's knowledge on consumer behaviour, with rational motives (product and price‐related).

Originality/value

The results expand one's knowledge on this relationship, propounding interesting empirical evidence of the model invariance among different consumer profiles.
Including ambivalence as a basis for benefit segmentation
Authors: Ottar Olsen Svein , Prebensen Nina , Larsen Thomas A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of ambivalence in benefit‐based segmentation of convenience food in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the attitude‐ambivalence literature and research about food convenience, a hierarchic cluster analysis is performed based on a nation‐wide representative survey of 1,154 Norwegian consumers.

Findings

The study's effort to use attitudinal ambivalence as a basis for benefit or attitude segmentation proved to be useful in finding segments with different profiles in the area of convenience food. The results reveal three consumer segments based on evaluation of quality, value, ambivalence and perceived morals towards convenience food: the “Convenient”, the “Ambivalent”, and the “Dissatisfied” consumer. While the Convenient have positive feelings and the Dissatisfied negative feelings toward convenience food, the Ambivalent have mixed feelings and feel guilt when eating ready meals. The ambivalent consumers share beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviour at a position somewhere between the “Convenient” and the “Dissatisfied” on most variables. However, in some areas they are close to the “Dissatisfied”, e.g. on variables such as perceived nutritional value, serving/buying ready meals, time used for making dinner or planning their meals. In a few areas they are closer to the “Convenient”, e.g. appeal to children, consuming, soups and pasta, and age above 60.

Research limitations/implications

Future research on benefit or attitudinal segmentation should consider including a measure of perceived ambivalence associated with the investigated products or services.

Practical implications

The practical implications are addressing a potential for the convenience food industry and subsequently suggesting a positioning strategy to adopt ambivalent consumers.

Originality/value

The paper presents new insights into consumer benefit segmentation and in empirical research on convenience food with a particular focus on ambivalence and moral attitudes.
The service‐dominant perspective: a backward step?
Authors: O'Shaughnessy John , Jackson O'Shaughnessy Nicholas
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the “service dominant” perspective advocated by Vargo and Lusch and applauded by so many marketing academics in the USA is neither logically sound nor a perspective to displace others in marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual analysis of the Vargo and Lusch paper that takes account of the implications of the service perspective being adopted as the perspective to replace all others.

Findings

The paper finds that the definition of services, seeking as it does to embrace all types of marketing, is too broad to have much operational meaning, while the focusing on activities rather than functions misdirects marketing altogether. Vargo and Lusch revive the claim that marketing should be viewed as a technology, the aim being to discover the techniques and rules (principles) applying to marketing. However, indifference to theoretical considerations encourages crudeness and the cultivation of ad hoc solutions. The Vargo and Lusch paper suggests that there is a one best way: a single unitary perspective for marketing. Instead there is a need for multiple perspectives in marketing, together with the methodological pluralism that it implies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not claim to have teased out all the implications of the service‐dominant approach to marketing and other marketing academics might take into account other considerations such as the feasibility of the approach.

Practical implications

The paper suggests the abandonment of any approach that disdains theory and believes that the development of marketing technology is the way to go.

Originality/value

The paper offers original criticisms of the service‐dominant perspective and its value lies in holding marketing back from taking a backward step.
Marketing performance measurement and firm performance
Authors: O'Sullivan Don , Abela Andrew V. , Hutchinson Mark
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The research aims to test whether the ability to measure marketing performance affects the actual performance of firms, in the context of the European high‐tech sector. It also aims to test whether performance‐reporting frequency and size of marketing budget mediate the relationship between measurement ability and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses collected from 157 marketers were supplemented with firm performance data.

Findings

Results show that marketing performance measurement ability positively impacts firm performance and that reporting frequency mediates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

More attention should be given to the activities that are measured rather than the metrics in use – which receive much attention in the literature. Current interest in marketing dashboards may be overstated.

Practical implications

Enhanced ability to account for marketing leads not only to improved firm performance, but also to greater regard for marketing at the senior management level.

Originality/value

This is the first study to demonstrate a link between marketing performance measurement ability or frequency and firm performance in the European market. It also provides an insight into the chain of effects linking marketing performance measurement ability to firm performance.
Modification of cured epoxy with amine functional chloroaniline formaldehyde condensate
Authors: Samanta Bidhan , Maity Tithi , Banthia A.K.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of cured epoxy modified with amine functional chloroaniline formaldehyde condensate (AFCFC) and to determine the optimum level of modification.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate toughening, different compositions were made by adding various concentration of AFCFC to epoxy. The impact, adhesive, tensile and flexural strengths of the modified and the unmodified epoxy were characterised by dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermogravimetric properties of modified epoxy were also reported.

Findings

The modification of epoxy resin using AFCFC showed significant enhancement of mechanical strength over unmodified epoxy. The reason behind this is that, in the initial stage of curing, the AFCFC are miscible with the epoxy and form a homogeneous solution. This homogeneity promotes the chemical reaction and network formation. During the curing process, as the molecular weight increases, the component separates within the reaction medium to form a second dispersed phase.

Research limitations/implications

The toughening agent AFCFC has been synthesised by using chloroaniline and formaldehyde. By changing amine and aldehyde, other toughening agents could be synthesised and the efficiency of modification of epoxy resin using these could also be studied.

Originality/value

AFCFC modified epoxy could be used in the field of coating, casting, adhesives, potting and encapsulation of semiconductor devices.
The influence of acid treatment on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Jiang X. , Gu J. , Bai X. , Lin L. , Zhang Y.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in detail the effects of acid treatment on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), which could find a variety of applications in coatings and composites.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to assess the effects of acid treatment on MWNTs.

Findings

It was found that desirable modifications to MWNTs occurred after acid treatment. Thus, carboxylic acid groups were introducing on to the surface of MWNTs. It was also found that both chemical and physical properties of MWNTs could be modified/altered.

Practical implications

The investigation established a method to modify MWNTs via acid treatment and the effects of such a treatment on MWNTs in detail. The modified MWNTs can be used for various applications and further modifications. The acid treated and the further modified MWNTs can be dispersed into polymers to prepare polymer/MWNTs composite materials and composite surface coatings. Some properties of the resulting composites were improved by the dispersed MWNTs, giving excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties.

Originality/value

The finding on the effects of acid treatment on MWNTs, supported by detailed FT‐IR, XPS, Raman and SEM data, would be of interest to the field. The modification technique provided a route to further modification of carbon nanotubes. The acid treated and the further modified MWNTs are useful for preparation of polymer/MWNTs composite materials and composites surface coatings with improved mechanical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties.
Chemical characterisation of extract derived from Daphne papyraceae and sonicator dyeing of cotton, silk and wool with the extract
Authors: Vankar Padma S. , Shanker Rakhi , Dixit Shalini , Mahanta Debajit , Tiwari S.C.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasonication on new natural dye obtained from leaves and stem extracts of Daphne papyraceae using metal mordant for good cotton, silk and wool dyeing prospects. It also proposes to effect the characterisation of the colorant.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective natural dyeing with leaves and stem extracts of D. papyraceae, both conventional and sonication methods for cotton, silk and wool dyeing were carried out using metal mordants. The purpose of using sonication was for betterment of dye uptake, improved dye adherence and good wash and light fastnesses. Results show marked improvement by the chosen dyeing method. Simultaneously, chemical characterisation of the colorant was carried out by first column chromatographic separation of the crude extract, followed by spectral analysis of the isolated products.

Findings

The superiority of sonicator dyeing over conventional dyeing in terms of enhanced resource productivity and, as a result, reduced wastes makes it the established best available technique in the natural dyeing industry. This fact has been examined for several natural dyes. Use of sonicator shows marked enhancement for cotton‐, silk‐ and wool‐dyed fabrics. Typical bath liquor to fabric ratio for conventional dyeing varies from 20:1 to 15:1 and for sonicator dyeing from only 12:1 to 10:1, thereby reducing specific water and energy consumption by 30 and 50 per cent, respectively. The cycle time for dyeing was also reduced by 50 per cent and this would benefit the dyeing process with more tonnage of fabric per unit time and with lower waste generation. This would also result in improved capacity utilization leading to enhanced productivity levels in the dyeing houses.

Research limitations/implications

Although metal mordanting with copper sulphate and potassium dichromate is not ecofriendly, only 2 per cent of these metal salts has been used to prepare different shades with leaves and stem extracts of D. papyraceae for cotton, silk and wool fabrics.

Practical implications

The method developed for natural dyeing of cotton, silk and wool fabrics using sonication in conjunction with metal mordanting has shown marked improvement. The chemical composition of the crude extract shows the presence of flavonoids and other specific natural pigments.

Originality/value

The method developed for natural dyeing of cotton, silk and wool fabrics using stem and leaves extracts of D. papyraceae under sonication in conjunction with metal mordanting has shown marked improvement in terms of dye adherence and fastness properties and can thus be recommended for industrial application. This is a new source of natural dye.
Pre‐purchase decision‐making for a complex service: retirement planning
Authors: Rickwood Catherine , White Lesley
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to respond to calls for further research into consumer pre‐purchase decision‐making, and investigate the factors that cause a customer to make a decision to save for retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research using eight focus groups was undertaken in Sydney, Australia with a total of 55 participants. The data were analysed using the approach suggested by Cresswell and includes coding into chunks, development of themes, interpreting, and validating findings.

Findings

Three key findings emerged from the research. First, there are certain internal, external, and risk factors that have a major impact on propensity to save for retirement. These are: involvement level, motivation, needs and wants, family influence, marketer influence, competitive options, financial risk, functional risk, and psychological risk. Second, no clear and universal gender differences in the pre‐purchase decision‐making process emerged during the focus group discussions. Finally, alternative options for spending and addressing risk negatively influence pre‐purchase decision‐making and therefore the desire or ability to save.

Research limitations/implications

This study is constrained by its exploratory nature. Consequently, future research could utilise quantitative methodology to confirm findings and allow generalisation of results. Also, a study incorporating ethnicity would add breadth to the findings.

Practical implications

Managers and policy makers benefit from understanding that marriage and turning 40 years old are highly influential to a consumer's likelihood to save for their retirement. This information is particularly useful for the development of marketing and communication campaigns.

Originality/value

This is the first exploratory study of pre‐purchase decision‐making which researches the triggers for buying complex financial services associated with saving for retirement.
Information transparency and digital privacy protection: are they mutually exclusive in the provision of e‐services?
Authors: Hung Humphry , Wong Y.H.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a model to analyze the inter‐relationship between information transparency and the protection of digital privacy of customers, from the perspective of e‐services providers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 320 questionnaires were sent out to all e‐banking service providers in the Guangdong province in China in 2004 and 150 useable questionnaires were collected. The response rate was 46.9 percent.

Findings

The paper identifies three types of digital privacy: information, communication and individual privacy. The findings show that e‐service marketers who adopt a more open information transparency policy are more likely to pay attention to customers' information and communication privacy, but less to their individual privacy.

Practical implications

E‐services providers need to be very careful about the necessity to be transparent in information sharing, but at the same time, have to be well aware of the need of the protection of individual privacy of their customers. Unfortunately, at times they may be too aggressive in adopting an open information transparency policy that may upset their customers by intruding into their individual privacy.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a more comprehensive conceptualization of digital privacy not only by identifying three generic types of privacy (information, communication and individual), but also by looking into the relationship between information transparency and these three generic types of privacy. This study shows that, unlike the first two types of privacy, individual privacy of customers is given less concern by most e‐service providers.
Service‐to‐service marketing: relationships between law firms and hospitals
Authors: Sergius Koku Paul
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the key factors that facilitate the service to service (S2S) marketing relationships. Specifically, it aims to focus on the relationship between external counsels (law firms) and hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses exploratory research that comprised a series of interviews with the relevant parties.

Findings

Reputation and word‐of‐word play roles in soliciting a firm to submit a proposal; advertisements seem to play no role. Furthermore, S2S marketing relationships occur over distinct and different phases and require a different set of facilitating factors.

Research limitations/implications

As this was exploratory research conducted in the US, the results are not generalizable, nevertheless, they offer a unique insight into a kind of S2S marketing relationship, specifically between hospitals and law firms.

Practical implications

Service providers who seek S2S marketing relationships should invest more in building and shoring‐up their reputation instead of advertising, because service purchasers use reputation and word‐of‐mouth instead of advertisements in selecting firms to ask for proposals.

Originality/value

The study provides an insight into an important, but neglected area in marketing.