bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a contingency theory of TQM in services ‐ How implementation varies on the basis of volume and variety
Authors: Silvestro Rhian
Published: April 2007

This paper explores differences in the implementation of total quality management (TQM) in different types of service process, using a typology which distinguishes between services positioned along the continua of volume and variety. A case‐study‐based analysis of the implementation of six core TQM precepts was conducted to explore differences in implementation between professional (low volume, customised) services, mass (high volume, standardised) services and service shops (positioned midway on the continua). The study revealed some significant differences in the maturity of TQM implementation in the different types of service. The results suggest that mass services are conducive to the implementation of quality measurement, SPC and preventative approaches to quality improvement. However, professional services are more conducive to the cultural managerial changes associated with TQM. Interestingly, whilst it was hypothesised that TQM practices would be most readily transferable to mass services, the results suggested that the service shop was the most conducive environment for TQM implementation.
A simple method of determining moments of a top event
Authors: Soman K.P. , Misra K.B.
Published: April 2007

Describes a simple algorithm which has been developed for determining exact moments of top event failure probability from the moments of the basic events in a fault tree. This method requires neither Taylor series expansion of top event failure probability function nor its partial derivates to find these moments. This method has subsequently extended to systems with multistate components. Describes a general algorithm for the purpose. Provides several illustrations to highlight its usefulness.
To work or not to work at home‐An empirical investigation of factors affecting attitudes towards teleworking
Authors: Lim Vivien K.G. , Teo Thompson S.H.
Published: April 2007

Examines the effects of demographic characteristics (gender and marital status), work‐related attitudes (organizational commitment and job security), support factors, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of teleworking to individuals and organizations on individuals’ attitudes towards teleworking. Respondents consist of information technology (IT) professionals. Results suggest that married individuals and those who perceived more advantages accruing from teleworking either to themselves or to their organizations, reported a more favourable attitude towards teleworking. Individuals with high levels of job insecurity and those who perceived more disadvantages accruing from teleworking to themselves or to their organizations reported a less favourable attitude towards teleworking. Contrary to initial prediction, organizational commitment was found to be negatively associated with attitude towards teleworking as a work option. Findings of this study also revealed that men and women did not differ in their attitude towards teleworking. In addition, support from supervisor and work colleagues did not emerge as a significant predictor of attitude towards teleworking. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Attitudinal and personality correlates of a nation’s pace of life
Authors: Kirkcaldy Bruce , Furnham Adrian , Levine Robert
Published: April 2007

This study looked at seven attitudinal and three personality variable correlates of three measures of pace of life. Pace of life was operationalised as three distinct measures; walking pace, postal service speed, and clock accuracy. Correlational and multiple regression analyses revealed that achievement motivation and competitiveness were highly predictive of general pace of life which is consistent with previous work. Moreover, linear discriminant analysis showed distinct differences in work attitude profiles between low, medium, and fast‐paced nations, the difference being significant for competitiveness, achievement motivation and attitudes towards savings. These nations also differed with respect to GDP, cost of living, energy (consumption of kg coal equivalent per head), and family size though nations did not differ in terms of economic growth and inflation rates. Overall, pace of life represents a simple, unobtrusive measure which is useful, subtle and a cheap indicator of national culture and economic progress.
Procedural justice in promotion decisions: using perceptions of fairness to build employee commitment
Authors: Lemons Mary A. , Jones Coy A.
Published: April 2007

Although companies spend millions of dollars each year in their attempts to comply with fair employment laws, many firms continue to have problems with employees who perceive unfair treatment in promotion decisions. Procedural justice refers to the perceived fairness or equity of the procedures used in making decisions regarding the distribution of rewards, such as promotion. Previous research indicates a positive relationship between procedural justice and organizational commitment, but these findings relate to the effect of unfair selection decisions on organizational commitment, instead of specifically focusing on justice perceptions in promotion decisions. Because employee perceptions of unfairness may result in negative consequences for organizations, the purpose of this study was to examine the significance of procedural justice in promotion decisions in predicting organizational commitment. Regression analysis results indicate a significant main effect of the perceived fairness of the promotion‐decision system on organizational commitment. Implications for research and practitioners are discussed.
Gender differences in rating reports: female managers are harsher raters, particularly of males
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Stringfield Paul
Published: April 2007

Male and female managers, at or beyond a specified managerial level, were required to rate their subordinate report staff on six personalized key result area (KRA) ratings, 32 management practices, common to all staff, and a weighted overall score. Company wide data were collected from 810 managers and at least one report staff who they rated. Analysis of variance on the three composite scores indicated that female managers rating male staff gave the lowest ratings. There were main effects for sex of employee (males were rated lower than females) and interaction effects (female managers gave males the lowest and females the highest ratings). Limitations of the study are considered as well as possible implications of the results.
Thought Self‐leadership
Authors: Neck Christopher P. , Milliman John F.
Published: April 2007

Offers a number of insights into the nature of spirituality in
organizations and how employees can gain greater spirituality and
purpose in their work. Specifically, proposes that a recent leadership
theory, thought self‐leadership, can assist employees in influencing or
leading themselves towards experiencing more spirituality in their
organizational life.
Doing research with foreign colleagues: a project‐life cycle approach
Authors: Bournois Frank , Chevalier Françoise
Published: April 2007

Managing international research projects in the academic field is far from being easy. Apart from the problems of language and semantics, it requires awareness not only of cultural differences but also of the different phases of such projects. The authors analyse and elaborate on each of these phases. According to their own experiences, they conclude that what is difficult in such projects is not so much to monitor the cultural variables as to manage peers who usually behave independently in their academic circles.
The impact of information technology on the audit process: an assessment of the state of the art and implications for the future
Authors: Bierstaker James L. , Burnaby Priscilla , Thibodeau Jay
Published: April 2007

In the future, paperless audits will become commonplace as audit clients increasingly shift to paperless systems and audit software is developed that allows auditors to complete most procedures on‐line. To audit on‐line systems, auditors will have to incorporate on‐line audit software as their primary audit tool and gather evidence electronically. Assesses the current impact of technology on the audit process, and discusses the future implications of technological trends for the auditing profession. More specifically, provides a summary of how information technology has impacted audit planning, testing, and documentation.
Presentation format, relevant experience and task performance
Authors: Bierstaker James L. , Brody Richard G.
Published: April 2007

On every engagement, auditors are required to obtain a sufficient understanding of the internal control structure to plan the audit and determine the nature, timing and extent of audit tests. The evaluation of control weaknesses is important for error and fraud detection and for the avoidance of audit failure. To document their understanding of client internal control systems, auditors have relied upon two common formats – internal control narratives and flowcharts. The choice of format is important because it can affect the use and interpretation of information. The purpose of this study is to examine if documentation format affects performance. Results suggest that, while documentation format did not affect performance, internal auditing experience was important, regardless of the documentation format used.
Evidence of the audit expectation gap in Singapore
Authors: Best Peter J. , Buckby Sherrena , Tan Clarice
Published: April 2007

Reports a study in 1996 of the audit expectation gap in Singapore. The main aims were to measure the level and nature of expectation gap in the 1990s and compare with the results of Schelluch, Low and Low et al.. The motivation for performing this research in Singapore was due to lack of research on this issue in recent years and Singapore’s status as one of the “dragon countries”. The research method adopted is a replication of a study by Schelluch. The results found evidence of a wide audit expectation gap in Singapore in the areas of auditor responsibility for fraud prevention and detection, maintenance of accounting records, freedom of the entity from fraud, and auditor judgment in the selection of audit procedures. The results strongly support the adoption of the long‐form audit report in Singapore if Singaporean professionals are serious about reducing the expectation gap and improving decision making by financial statement users.
The expectation gap: perceptual differences between auditors, jurors and students
Authors: Frank Kimberly E. , Jordan Lowe D. , Smith James K.
Published: April 2007

The expectation gap has been presumed to be caused by the differing perceptions of the accounting profession and third parties regarding the profession’s role, responsibilities, and related performance. Prior research regarding the expectation gap has focused on diverging perceptions of different groups (i.e. financial analysts, bank loan officers, small business owners, and auditors). While this research has identified an expectation gap between auditors and certain third parties, it has neglected examining the perceptions of judicial third parties. This absence is somewhat ironic given the role that jurors and judges play in determining auditors’ legal liability. This void is filled by comparing jurors’, auditors’, and accounting students’ attitudes towards the accounting profession. Results reveal a large divergence in perceptions of auditors and jurors regarding their expectations of the accounting profession. However, accounting students responded in a manner very similar to practicing auditors.
Student‐written Case Studies: The Benefits to the Internal Audit
Curriculum
Authors: Brady Greenawalt Mary
Published: April 2007

Examines the usefulness of the case study method in the college
classroom. Advocates the preparation of these cases from real‐life
situations and their subsequent discussion. Suggests that this approach
capitalizes on the strengths of analysing internal audit cases, and
reveals some of the drawbacks of case studies. Analyses the advantages
and disadvantages of the case study method. Concludes that the
advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
Effective leadership behaviour: leading “the third way” from a primary care group perspective ‐ A study of leadership constructs elicited from members of primary care group management boards
Authors: Gaughan Anna C.
Published: April 2007

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is undergoing cataclysmic change following the election of the first Labour Government in 18 years. This is primarily embodied in the implementation of the White Paper The New NHS Modern‐Dependable, which has resulted in the creation of primary care groups (PCGs) and primary care trusts (PCTs). The task facing both PCGs and PCTs is a radically new and complex one, requiring a new set of leadership skills to the traditional command and control style management. Leadership theories have evolved over the past 70 years. However, it was not until the 1980s that a major change in the paradigm of thinking around what is the nature of leadership occurred. The interaction between the leader and his/her followers is explored in what has become known as transformational leadership theories, developed by Bass and Avolio. Recent studies have, however, questioned the applicability of leadership models derived in the USA, to other cultures. This paper explores the leadership behaviours required for the management boards of PCGs and PCTs. A qualitative research method “Grounded Theory” approach was chosen for this study of leadership. The Repertory Grid technique was used to collect data. There are a number of implications arising from the findings of this study for both leadership models in general, and more specifically, for the development of leadership skills in both PCGs and PCTs.
The rise of the CSO
Authors: Delmar Daniel R.
Published: April 2007

Looks at the new position of chief strategy officer (CSO), which has arisen in the past five years. Adds that this (CSO) position is usually found in technology based companies, as the strategic part of management has been found to be beyond most line manager’s sphere of development. Concludes the CSO’s abilities at an individual level will have a telling effect in achieving the desired objectives.
Information technology: second‐class citizen or strategy partner
Authors: Morgan Robert E.
Published: April 2007

The half‐life of management practices since the 1980s is shorter than ever, and these ideas are being replaced by more models and methods, coming at an exponential rate, that seek to serve some pressing organizational agenda for improvement. This paper looks at the drivers that create this need for change and the need to improve management and business practices, with emphasis on the information and communication technology issues that concern all organizations.
Using data analytics for greater profits
Authors: Tyagi Sandeep
Published: April 2007

Looks at Harrah’s casino business and how it is run, with the aid of analytics: accessing; aggregating; and analysing large amounts of data from many sources. States Harrah’s converts data into knowledge to enhance its ability to make effective business decisions. Lists out five “rules of the road” with descriptions of them in full. Concludes that advances in analytics are breathing new life into companies’ efforts in creating new businesses and line extensions.
Price is a “language” to customers
Authors: Docters Rob , Reopel Mike , Sun Jeanne‐Mey , Tanny Steven
Published: April 2007

Looks at the language of price, which is the conclusion that customers reach after learning of a company’s price structure and billing policies. Stresses product managers and marketers know that price messages need to address a number of audiences. States that lack of attention to price structure means that it may be difficult to construct the right message to send to decision makers. Concludes pricing and billing should reinforce company messages, sent in sales presentations and advertisements.
Seeing your audience through an actor's eyes: an interview with George Stalk
Authors: Buswick Ted
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To convey the potential of hidden benefits in well‐selected arts‐based training – in this particular instance, theatrically‐based training.

Design/methodology/approach

A leading international consultancy put numerous vice presidents through training with The Actors Institute (TAI) over about ten years. This paper is an interview with a leading consultant who frequently gives presentations that had been consistently rated highly by his audiences before he began attending. After ten years, he still periodically returns to TAI for assistance.

Findings

The original intent was to improve presentations. In fact, participants gained a better sense for dealing with all kinds of audiences, extending to client engagements and personal situations.

Practical implications

Many executives don't feel the need for training when they hit a certain level. When the training is based on developmental skills and is over an extended period rather than a brief one‐time experience, and the training organization wisely chosen, there can be long‐term benefits that go beyond expectations.

Originality/value

George Stalk is highly respected. He has not previously spoken out on this topic. His first‐hand experiences can influence many other businesspeople to potential benefits of arts‐based training that they had not recognized.
Strategically managing risk in the information age: a holistic approach
Authors: Olson Eric G.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Business leaders can apply key messages as early as today to build stronger operations that are less susceptible to risks of all types. Findings can be applied at all levels in any organization, from the entire enterprise down to discreet projects. The article emphasizes that today's strategic change initiatives should all consider their impact on holistically developed risk management strategies.

Approach

Hypotheses are explained, developed, and supported by a number of actual cases across several diverse industries. Case studies that illustrate both success and failure are explored. Once the hypotheses are developed and supported with specific cases, the findings are generalized and a series of well‐developed industry accepted practices for resolving the key issues are articulated.

Findings

The way a business approaches risk management in today's digital age can make the difference between success and failure. Risk management strategies should be developed with holistic, broad views of business operations, and tailored to accommodate the different types of exposure specific to an individual business or operation.

Originality/value

This article illustrates the importance of having holistic, well‐developed risk strategies with real‐world cases and industry‐accepted practices. Where information‐age risk management strategies were employed, companies succeeded. Other cases were not so fortunate. One especially counter‐intuitive notion is that businesses have traditionally developed external alliance networks to reduce risk and create differentiated business models that lock‐in customers and lock‐out competition. However, as many businesses are experiencing, integrating alliance partners into otherwise low‐risk value chains actually introduces new risks that have been largely ignored until recent years.
Comparison of the dielectric constant and dissipation factors of non‐woven aramid/FR4 and glass/FR4 laminates
Authors: Khan Subhotosh
Published: April 2007

Permittivity and dissipation factor (Dk and Df) are effects of polarization of different components of the dielectric substrate material when subjected to an electrical field. A database of these important design parameters for PWBs has been developed for Thermount RT. Effects of variations in the level of moisture (bone‐dry to completely saturated at various relative humidity levels), testing temperature (room temperature to 120uC) and testing frequencies (1MHz to 1.5GHz) on Dk and Df are reported. As the frequency of test is increased from 1MHz to 1.5GHz, the effect of moisture on the properties is reduced. Comparison with conventional glass/FR4 laminate properties shows the distinct advantage of Thermount. It is increasingly used in high frequency cellular telephone, satellite, and wireless applications which require HDI PWBs to achieve the highest packaging density at the lowest cost and weight.
Inspection of PCBs by laser‐induced fluorescence
Authors: Alaluf Alex , Birnbaum David
Published: April 2007

Examines the use of laser‐induced fluorescence for the inspection of printed circuit boards. Discusses how it works, how it compares with other inspection options and what advantages it offers, particularly for the inspection of low‐contrast materials. Concludes that laser‐based automated optical inspection (AOI) has major potential advantages compared with white‐light AOI equipment.
Conductive anodic filament (CAF) formation: an historic perspective
Authors: Turbini Laura J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Conductive anodic filament (CAF) is a failure mode in printed wiring boards (PWBS), which occurs under high humility and high voltage gradient conditions. This paper aims to review the history of CAF from its identification in the 1970s to the statistical analysis of its failure mode and the factors that enhance its formation.

Design/methodology/approach

Charts the chronology and details the developments of CAF over the last 30 years.

Findings

CAF is a conductive copper‐containing salt created electrochemically that grows from the anode toward the cathode sub‐surface along the epoxy/glass interface. It can also grow from the anode on one layer to a cathode on another. CAF was first discovered in 1976 and was identified as a catastrophic failure mode. It is enhanced by high humidity during storage or use, by high voltage gradient between anode and cathode, by certain soldering flux ingredients, by hole drilling, multiple thermal cycles during processing, and by higher processing temperatures associated with lead‐free solders. CAF is a copper hydroxy chloride salt and is a semiconducting material.

Originality/value

Our analytical tools today are far superior to those of these early researchers. Early data were obtained from chart recorders and manual plotting. Today we have computers for automated data collection and analysis and the sensitivity of the scanning electron microscope has improved significantly. The researchers of the 1970s and early 1980s characterized the basic factors associated with CAF and in many ways we are just repeating what they have done.
The new growth theories: a cultural and social addendum
Authors: Brinkman Richard L. , Brinkman June E.
Published: April 2007

To overcome the errors of the exogenous growth theories of the past, the new growth theories, currently in vogue, attempt to incorporate technological change as endogenous to the growth process. While making a commendable effort to see into that black box of technological change, these so‐called new growth theories are also subject to question and critique on a variety of grounds. One of these is that the new growth theories are not really that new. Another area of concern relates to their empirical relevancy. This is especially evident in assessing the practical use of the new growth theories in terms of problem identification and policy resolution. Other problem areas relate to issues of conceptual clarity and underlying assumptions. By assuming the process of economic growth to be synonymous with that of economic development the result is to avoid the prerequisite structural transformation inherent in the dynamics of culture evolution. Culture evolution in turn is predicated upon technological advance conceptualized as both material and social technology. It is argued in this paper that an explanation as to why technology is endogenous to the processes of growth and economic development is best served vis‐à‐vis an analysis of the dynamics of culture evolution.
Human development and economic systems: a unitary approach
Authors: Sun Li‐teh , O’Brien John C. , Jiang Qi
Published: April 2007

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the success of the US economy at the end of the second millennium do not necessarily mean the end of socialism. In fact both capitalism and socialism are beneficial for a unitary human development, which consists of both material and spiritual development. Capitalism, with its emphasis on self‐interest and individual freedom, has been crucial to material development. But socialism, with its preference for other‐interest and collective necessity, is conducive to spiritual development. Thus, what is needed for further development of the human race is a unitary economics that synergizes capitalism and scoialism.
“Make or buy”: the potential subversion of corporate
strategy – the case of Philips
Authors: Mayers A.J.C. , Brenner Y.S.
Published: April 2007

Top managers of multinational enterprises are continuously
confronted with “make‐or‐buy” decisions. These choices have
to be made after corporate strategy has already been determined and the
measures to realize the corporate aims have been taken. Elucidates why
the decision to make components and/or production equipment in‐house,
instead of buying them from professional suppliers, may more often than
not be subversive of multinational corporations′ (MNCs) core activities.
Relies on a case study at a research and development department of
Philips International (The Netherlands). Illustrates how the decision to
make production equipment in‐house evokes further decisions which are in
conflict with the actual corporate strategy. The decision of a producer
of consumer electronics to develop production equipment in‐house,
instead of buying it in the marketplace, imposes on top management the
need to decide whether or not to add this equipment to its consumer
product range. The problem is that an affirmative decision may well give
rise to a shift in the company′s core activities. Consequently,
“make‐or‐buy” decisions are a potential threat to strategic
core activities and top management would be well advised to be aware of
this.
Disintegration of the Soviet politico‐economic system
Authors: Elliott John E.
Published: April 2007

Examines the process of systemic disintegration in the USSR brought
about by perestroika, demokratizatsiya and glasnost.
Places Soviet economic crises in a broader political and nationalities
context. Concludes that liberalization and democratization led both to
the break‐up of the Communist system and that of the imperial state.
Images and Perceptions as Barriers to the Use of Library Staff and
Services
Authors: Green Tracey
Published: April 2007

Discusses the images and perceptions that individuals and library
funders hold of libraries, library services and the librarian profession
in relation to effective use of libraries and the skills of librarians.
Argues that contributing factors to non‐use and under‐use are also those
images and perceptions which librarians themselves hold of their
profession and of potential users and their information needs. It is not
only negative images and perceptions that need to be overcome but also
barriers caused by lack of awareness of the “library world” and
unrealistic expectations. Draws on surveys and experiences across all
types of libraries from school to university and public to private
sector.
Information and library education: a manifesto for the millennium
Authors: Muddiman Dave
Published: April 2007

As the millennium looms, education for librarianship and
information work faces uncertain times. Reviews the recent fragmentation
of library education, raising such issues as the obsession with
“emerging” markets; the influence of the “new”
vocationalism and the rise of NVQ and CPD. These developments bring with
them the danger of a return to apprenticeship and the end of library and
information science. It is argued that such decline is not inevitable.
Suggests that library and information science must re‐emphasize its
distinctiveness as an academic discipline, reassess its targeted labour
market and work together with other stakeholders to develop a
restructured system of occupational education based on accessibility and
co‐operation. The result might then be the rebirth of the librarian in a
“new age”.
Two false dogmas of censorship
Authors: Marco Guy A.
Published: April 2007

Discusses censorship as a misused term, and a poorly understood
concept among librarians. The two false dogmas discussed are that
censorship is evil in itself, and that it is a library problem. It is
not evil, since society correctly authorizes certain officials to
protect it from harmful speech or documents. Evil may result in the
improper application of censorship authority, but in time the society
will correct this. Society also assigns a “gatekeeper” role
to certain occupations, to admit suitable persons or things and to keep
out others. Librarians have a gatekeeper role with regard to documents
(books, films, recordings, etc.). When a gatekeeper rejects a document,
the act is that of a censor. Thus, concludes that librarians, as
gatekeepers, are authorized censors of their societies, and censorship
is a library responsibility rather than a library problem.
The information professional in the year 2000
Authors: Hyams Elspeth
Published: April 2007

Discusses the changes likely to take place in the information professional’s role in the new millennium. Proposes that the skills of the information professional will be highly sought after as a range of new hybrid jobs develop. Warns that information professionals should be flexible and should be updating their knowledge and skills continually to take advantage of the changes.
Beautiful exit: how to leave your business partner
Authors: Alajoutsijärvi Kimmo , Möller Kristian , Tähtinen Jaana
Published: April 2007

Interorganisational buyer‐seller relationships have been primarily studied from the perspective of relationship development and the benefits accrued from relationships. There is a lack of research concerning problems with relationships and relationship dissolution. The dissolution of a business relationship can be either desirable, freeing badly deployed resources, as indicated by the customer portfolio approach, or harmful, involving costly legal disputes and the loss of company reputation. By employing a theory‐driven case study approach we examine the exit strategies available for the disengager in dissolving interorganisational buyer‐seller relationships. We show that the quality of dissolution is affected by the disengager’s choice of exit strategy. Managerial suggestions are provided for achieving “beautiful exits”, i.e. such communication strategies which minimise damages of the dissolution to the disengager, the other party, and the connected business network.
Commentary ‐ A General Theory of Competition: issues, answers and an invitation
Authors: Hunt Shelby D.
Published: April 2007

Resource‐advantage theory is an interdisciplinary, evolutionary, process theory of competition that is proving to be extraordinarily provocative. A General Theory of Competition: Resources, Competences, Productivity, Economic Growth pulls together many of the articles that develop the theory. This article provides a brief overview of resource‐advantage theory, reports on two queries that have been raised by the theory’s critics, responds to the two queries, and extends an invitation to readers.
Antecedents and consequences of salesperson burnout
Authors: Low George S. , Cravens David W. , Grant Ken , Moncrief William C.
Published: April 2007

Investigates the antecedents and outcomes of salesperson burnout. Prior research on burnout in personal selling is extended by including a more complete set of predictors of burnout, and by testing the conceptual model of burnout using a multi‐company sample of field salespeople in an international setting. Relationships among burnout, attitudes, and behavior are predicted based on relevant literature, and are tested using survey results from 148 field salespeople in Australia. Path analysis results show that the proposed conceptual model fits the data well. Intrinsic motivation, role ambiguity, and role conflict are all significant antecedents of burnout. Job satisfaction and salesperson performance are direct outcomes of burnout, and also mediate the indirect influence of burnout on organizational commitment and intention to leave. Implications for salesforce management and future research are discussed.
Consumer evaluation and competitive advantage in retail financial services ‐ A research agenda
Authors: Devlin James F.
Published: April 2007

The primary objective of this paper is to formulate a research agenda in the area of consumer evaluation and competitive advantage in retail financial services markets. In order to achieve this objective, a brief exposition of the market‐led view of competitive advantage is provided, which emphasises the importance of the provision of “customer value” in the relevant market. The process of consumer evaluation of financial services offerings is then reviewed and potential problems in consumer understanding of some types of financial services offerings are highlighted. The implications of such problems for the formulation of value adding strategies are explored with reference to the conceptualisation of the financial service offering and in particular which elements of the offering may be particularly important in adding value in the eyes of consumers. Finally, propositions for research are developed and explored, with the aim of informing both academics and practitioners.
Organizing for the effective introduction of new distribution channels in retail banking
Authors: Mols Niels Peter
Published: April 2007

Explores why some retail banks more than others are vigorous in their promotion of and have been successful in changing their distribution channel structure by introducing new electronic channels, such as PC banking and Internet banking. A tentative model is proposed relating a number of variables to the banks’ promotion and successful introduction of the electronic channels. Responses from 60 key managers in the largest retail banks in Denmark indicate that bank size, expected advantages for the customers, attention to the future, senior management support, and willingness to cannibalize existing channels may be important factors in explaining the successful introduction of the electronic channels. Further, the results indicate that different attitudes and perceptions are related to different means of attracting customers to the electronic channels. Finally, discusses the implications for the banks and other firms of adopting the Internet as a distribution channel.
Critical marketing theory: the blueprint?
Authors: Burton Dawn
Published: April 2007

There has been considerable recent discussion about the relevance of critical theory to management discourse and its implications for the education of managers. Within this debate, marketing, and by implication, marketing academics, have been extensively criticised by those outside the discipline for failing to embrace more critical theoretical approaches in their work. Unfavourable parallels have been made with management accounting which has a similar academic/practitioner profile but where critical theory was embraced over two decades ago. The objectives of this paper are threefold: to attempt to account for the lack of critical theory in the discipline; to provide a critical evaluation of the usefulness of critical theory in marketing discourse; and to assess some of the practical implications associated with the implementation of critical theoretical approaches in teaching, research and publishing.
Image of suburban shopping malls and two‐stage versus uni‐equational modelling of the retail trade attraction
Authors: José Más Ruíz Francisco
Published: April 2007

The main objective of this research is to examine the nature of the image of shopping malls and to contrast the reliability of two models that analyse the attraction of retail trade; in the first model, image, distance and preference are considered; whereas in the second, preference is omitted. The initial hypothesis is that the apparently lower power of attraction of the image, compared to that of the distance, may be justified, in some way, by the modelling of a relationship that omits preference. The methodology applied uses a variety of multidimensional techniques to identify image dimensions, together with two focuses, the two‐stage versus the uni‐equational, to define retail trade attraction. As a result of the application in the suburban commercial setting of Alicante, three image dimensions are detected in the malls, as well as the superiority of the uni‐stage modelling in which the influence of preference on retail attraction is omitted.
The marketing‐finance interface towards financial services with special reference to the new services provided by futures exchanges
Authors: Pennings Joost M.E. , Wetzels Martin G.M. , Meulenberg Matthew T.G.
Published: April 2007

The financial services industry is one of the fastest growing service industries. The financial services industry includes financial derivatives markets such as options and futures markets. In order to ensure survival, firms providing financial services show a rapid product innovation. However, for financial services the risk of failure is considerable. Argues that a synthesis between the financial approach and the marketing approach towards financial services provides a conceptual framework for analysing the possible success or failure of futures contracts. The synthesis is illustrated by an empirical study of a new futures contract that might possibly be introduced.
The behavioural perspective model
Authors: Foxall Gordon R.
Published: April 2007

Reported are three experimental studies which assess the consensual availability of the interpretive variables of the behavioural perspective model (BPM) of consumer choice. In Study 1, students (N = 39) acting as judges rated 18 consumer behaviour settings according to their relative scope; in Study 2, students (N = 18) acting as judges rated 18 consumer situations according to their respective contingency categories predicted by the model. Study 3 involved a simplification of the procedure tested in the second experiment: two market research executives used simplified descriptions of the consumer situations to allocate them within the BPM contingency matrix. The studies confirm the consensual availability of the variables employed in the model, confirming the relevance of its variables to the interpretation of consumer behaviour in situ. They also permit the comparison of the performances of student and non‐student participants as expert judges for experiments of this kind.
Tacit knowledge and the epistemology of expertise in strategic marketing management
Authors: Hackley Christopher E.
Published: April 2007

Discusses issues concerning the relationship between codified marketing theory and practical strategic marketing expertise, particularly with respect to the importance of “tacit” or unarticulated knowledge. The trajectory of argument draws attention to the role of words as symbolic modelling devices and explores implications of this position for theorising marketing expertise. Makes use of a multidisciplinary perspective and draws material from work in cognitive science, the psychology of expertise and the philosophy of science. Sets the problematisation of practical theory in marketing within a broader context of a possible epistemological “crisis” of rationality in practical disciplines. The conclusion suggests that an epistemology of expertise for marketing management demands both theoretical and linguistic sophistication and implies a pedagogic shift towards a model of philosophic enquiry in marketing.
Consumer research, interpretive paradigms and methodological ambiguities
Authors: Goulding Christina
Published: April 2007

The 1980s and 1990s have witnessed a growing application of qualitative methods, particularly in the study of consumer behaviour. This has led to some division between researchers on the basis of methodological orientation, or a positivist/interpretivist split. Much of the criticism regarding qualitative research centres on issues of clarity, methodological transgressions, and the mixing of methods without clear justification and explication of “why” and “how”. Offers the example of phenomenology and grounded theory, two methods which are often treated as one. Compares and contrasts them in relation to underpinning philosophies, procedures for sampling, data collection and techniques for analysis. Suggests that methods are “personal” and that researcher introspection and the philosophical basis of a given methodology should form the starting‐point for enquiry.
A broadened conception of internal marketing
Authors: Varey Richard J. , Lewis Barbara R.
Published: April 2007

Internal marketing has been of interest to practitioners and academics, in marketing and other disciplines of management, for some years, and published papers focus on definitions, the role of internal marketing in organisations, and various empirical investigations. Discusses the elements of a broadened concept on internal marketing, which emerges from: a systematic review and examination of the existing literature; case study material; “expert” opinion from leading academics; and interviews with managers.
Marketing orientation and its determinants: an empirical analysis
Authors: Avlonitis George J. , Gounaris Spiros P.
Published: April 2007

While a strong association between Marketing Orientation development and company performance has been established, the understanding of the Marketing Orientation remains unclear since some studies have suggested a philosophical nature for Marketing Orientation and some other studies concluded that Marketing Orientation represents a behavioural notion. As a result of this antithesis, research has not proceeded in the investigation on the factors that determine the degree of Marketing Orientation development. Shows that Marketing Orientation should be conceptualised synthetically since it represents the integration of a certain culture with specific behaviour. Closely examines the major determinants of Marketing Orientation development. Although exploratory in nature, suggests that Marketing Orientation development is determined by company‐specific, as well as by market‐specific factors with the former having a facilitating effect and the latter a coercive effect.
What is this thing called service?
Authors: Johns Nick
Published: April 2007

Explores the richness of meaning that has grown up around the service concept in the management literature. Examines the subtleties which arise when “service” is used to denote industries, outcomes and processes, and explores more specific service concepts, such as the quality of service encounters and service experiences. Concludes that many of the concept’s ambiguities relate to the use of the word “service” and shifts of meaning which result. Indicates that there are clear dichotomies between providers’ and customers’ views of “service”. Parallel dichotomies can be found between the delivery and consumption of “core services” and the emotional/hedonic dimensions of service performance. Discusses the importance of these and suggests ideas for the marketing and management of services. In addition, develops a broad structural framework with which these ideas can be linked and identifies a number of new avenues of research.
Facilitation: Providing Opportunities for Learning
Authors: Bentley Trevor
Published: April 2007

When groups meet, people form assumptions about the roles of various
participants within that group. Examines what these assumptions are
using three different approaches: restructured non‐directed interaction;
exploration of reasons for being there; self‐introduction of group and
discussion of group roles. Discusses the role of facilitator in a group,
and defines facilitation as opposed to leadership, finding facilitation
is about empowering people to take control and responsibility for their
own efforts. Illustrates how to become a good facilitator using
fictional characters from a facilitation skills workshop. Ends by
revealing how an individual′s potential can be released.
A fast algorithm for calculating the critical state in superconductors
Authors: Coombs T.A. , Campbell A.M. , Murphy A. , Emmens M.
Published: April 2007

A method is presented for calculating the critical state profiles in bulk superconductors. It can be used for asymmetric samples in non‐uniform fields and for transport currents as well as magnetisation. In this technique the sample starts with no current flowing. Elements carrying Jc are then inserted at the point of maximum vector potential and the field recalculated. The process is continued until the external field is screened from the interior. As an example the force on a magnet above a cylindrical puck is calculated.
Strong coupled multi‐harmonic finite element simulation package
Authors: De Gersem Herbert , Vande Sande Hans , Hameyer Kay
Published: April 2007

The harmonic balanced finite element method offers a valuable alternative to the transient finite element method for the quasi‐static simulation of electromagnetic devices operating at steady‐state. The specially designed iterative solver, the adaptive relaxation of the non‐linear loop and the embedding of the harmonic balanced finite element method within a state‐of‐the‐art finite element package, leads to a solver in the frequency domain that is competitive to time stepping. The benefits of this approach are illustrated by its application to an inductor with a ferromagnetic core.
Numerical evaluation of electromagnetic field effects in electric arc furnaces
Authors: David Florin , Tudorache Tiberiu , Firteanu Virgiliu
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a 3D numerical modeling of electromagnetic and thermal fields in three‐phase electric arc furnaces. The thermal effect of the foamy slag is studied in the first part of the paper. The Joule power density is calculated with an AC electromagnetic analysis and is transferred to the steady state thermal problem as heat source. The second part of the paper presents a numerical analysis of new electromagnetic stirring methods.
Synthesis and characterization of some halogenated phthalocyanine pigments
Authors: Abd El‐Ghaffar M.A. , Yakout E.M. , Youssef E.A.M.
Published: April 2007

Highly coloured, thermally stable metal free, copper, cobalt and nickel of the hexadecachloro‐ and hexadecabromo‐phthalocyanine were synthesized by the urea fusion technique in the dry method. The structure of these compounds was confirmed via spectrophotometric measurements such as ultraviolet‐visible, nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectra. Evaluates the pigmentary properties of these compounds according to standard international methods. From the results reveals that these compounds have outstanding properties which allow them to be excellent pigments for various applications.
Web advertising and Hispanics
Authors: Korgaonkar Pradeep , Silverblatt Ronnie , O’Leary Bay
Published: April 2007

The liaison between America Online and Hispanic Publishing Corporation to launch an interactive area called HISPANIC Online attests to the growing importance of the Hispanic consumers to US corporations. Still, little published research exists documenting the evaluation and usage of Web advertising by this growing segment of the US population. Applying Pollay and Mittal’s seven‐factor advertising beliefs model, the authors explore the Hispanic Web users’ beliefs, attitudes, and use of Web advertising. The seven belief factors regarding Web advertising, as well as attitudes and demographic factors, of the Hispanic respondents were studied in three usage contexts of Web advertising: the attention subjects paid to Web advertisements; the frequency of subjects clicking on Web advertisements; and the frequency of subjects leaving Web sites. Multivariate discriminant analysis suggests that the seven belief factors and the attitude factor, along with age and income levels, are significantly correlated with the three usage contexts of Web advertising. The study results and implications for Web advertisers are discussed.