bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Key predictors of creative MBA students' performance
Authors: Moulaye M'Hamed Taher Adahi , Chen Jin , Yao Wei 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the key predictors of Master of Business Administration (MBA) students' performance, considering the interaction between personality type, learning approaches and educational achievement. A structural equation model is formulated to check out the relationship perfection between the construct variables.Design/methodology/approachThe study subjects were 208 MBA students at Zhejiang University. A questionnaire encompassing three sections was presented to the respondents. The first section is the revised two‐factor version of the study process questionnaire (R‐SPQ‐2F) developed by Biggset al.The second section consists of 20 items developed based on a review of the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) Five‐Factor Personality Inventory (Buchanan, 2001). The third section is about the respondents' background and personal information such as age, gender and their performance represented by their scores in the National Admission Examination System and their major course grade achieved during the first term of their academic year. A structural equation model was designed to examine the relationship between the study variables. Then covariance structural analyses of collected data were conducted for testing the model.FindingsThe main findings are significant correlations between the three personality traits, namely, extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience with the deep approach (DA) to learning predicting high MBA students' performance.Practical implicationsPersonality type and students' approaches to learning constitute determinant factors impacting upon the education of management graduate students. Thus, institutions providing MBA programs must allocate more interest to examine their students' characteristics, in correlation with their performance rating. In this regard, the present study is designed to provide business education stakeholders with a modest model to depict the key predictors of MBA students' performance, particularly, part‐time MBA program whose participants are, in most cases, fully employed students, struggling to cope with their professional, educational and social duties.Originality/valueThis study empirically investigates the relationship between personality type and students' approaches to learning to find out their influence on MBA students' performance. The model results evidently demonstrate, on the one hand a significant correlation between these factors, and on the other hand their influence on the participants' performance reflecting high rating in pertinence with personality traits of extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience and the DA to learning.
Is it the more the merrier?
Authors: Zhuang Lee , Qiu Yi , Peng Long 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis research seeks to uncover some empirical evidence on how prevalent the problem of information overload has become, how it has affected the performance of organisations.Design/methodology/approachSet in the context of the information‐intensive tourism industry, this exploratory study examined the top two state‐owned tour operators in China. Using semi‐structured group interviews supplemented by a questionnaire survey, the empirical evidence gathered was examined to identify key themes concerning information overload.FindingsThe problem was felt more by the front line operatives than those who managed them. Increasing tiredness, high stress levels and more mistakes made at work were amongst the symptoms. Factors specific to the tourism industry included poor clarity in job division and task procedures, low standardisation of job contents, inter‐team work, and loose team structures. Experience, training and staff motivation were identified as possible ways to address the problem.Research limitations/implicationsTo fully appreciate the strategic impact of the problem of information overload on corporate performance, considerable further research needs to be carried out involving organisations in different sizes and forms operating in difference industries across different countries.Practical implicationsThis paper adds practical value by providing some empirical evidence to complement the growing body of anecdotal evidence demonstrating how information explosion especially through the internet is having an adverse impact on corporate performance.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study how the growing phenomenon of information overload is affecting corporate performance, especially in the information‐intensive industry of travel and tourism.
Improving global competitiveness with branding strategy
Authors: Ille Francis R. , Chailan Claude 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare how some firms from China and some from other emerging countries (EC) are using a variety of branding strategies to improve their global competitiveness. A total of 14 firms have been compared on criteria related to possible acquisition of foreign brands, development of local brands, personality of the leaders and in some cases use of ideological messages.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is mostly based on case studies coming from literature, interviews from marketing executives of major enterprises from China or other EC. It is mainly exploratory in its approach.FindingsThe critical success factors for the competitiveness of emerging countries brands are either coming from the choice to create a local brand from scratch, to buy an existing famous brand, or to imitate successful foreign brands. Few strategic differences appear between Chinese firms and the ones from other EC. The factors explaining success or failure are linked to the type of industry and the way it relates to the country of origin effect, the level of marketing “maturity” as well as the personality and visibility of the entrepreneur.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does not aim at being statistically representative, the firms which are selected may not be a full representation of Chinese firms branding strategy or from emerging nations.Originality/valueThe definition of the brand strategy for emerging countries firms is a relatively new subject and this study is a contribution to helping enterprises in finding the best approach as well as giving examples for academic studies on Chinese firms marketing efficiency.
Employer‐brand equity, organizational attractiveness and talent management in the Zhejiang private sector, China
Authors: Jiang TingTing , Iles Paul 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to clarify the process that leads employees and prospective applicants to be attracted to remain with the organization or apply for a job offer in private companies in Zhejiang, China.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies concepts from marketing to people management, particularly the concept of brand equity. It proposes, on the basis of a literature review and preliminary interview data in three private companies in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, that prospective applicants and employees evaluate job offers or organizational positions based both on organizational attractiveness (OA) and on employee‐based brand equity (EBBE) perceptions. It then presents a model of the relationship between OA and EBBE for future research in China, proposing the particular importance of the dimensions “economic value”, “development value” and “social value” for Chinese employees. It then suggests implications for future research and practice, especially the relationship between OA and EBBE for both Chinese employees, job seekers and applicants.FindingsThe private economy is significant to China, accounting for 65 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 56 per cent of total tax revenue. For Zhejiang, a private economy‐dominated province, talent recruitment and turnover are problems that hinder future development. OA and EBE may play a key role in intentions to accept a job offer, and as a mediator and a key variable in the initial recruitment.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper draws on preliminary interview studies in China to propose a framework for future research to clarify the role of OA and EBBE in Chinese job choice intentions and behaviours.Practical implicationsRecruitment messages and internal branding communications should focus on EBBE so as to influence OA perceptions and job intentions in China. Social, economic and development value are suggested as particularly important dimensions of EBBE in China.Originality/valueThe study clarifies the role of OA and EBBE in the process that leads to the intention to apply, respond to job offers, and remain with the organization, and discusses implications for further research and practice in China.
Developing leaders and leadership in health care: a case for rebalancing?
Authors: Edmonstone John 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the emerging critique of leader development in health care and to describe an alternative approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the growing critique of leader development, highlighting the concentration on the development of individual human capital. The creation of social capital through an emphasis on leadership development is explained. Design principles and potential obstacles are identified.FindingsA rebalancing of the field from an over‐concentration on the development of individual leaders to an emphasis on context and relationships is necessary.Practical implicationsAlthough the basic building‐blocks of development will remain the same, there is a need to rebalance them towards leadership rather than leaders.Originality/valueThe paper brings together in one place various strands of concern over leader development in health care and makes a case for change.
Transfer of crew resource management training
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R.B. , Cox Karen R. , Hall Leslie 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe IOM report “To Err is Human” recommended Crew Resource Management (CRM) training to improve patient safety and teamwork in health care. However, the effectiveness of CRM training in health care is uncertain; this study aims to identify the effect of CRM training on communication and decision making, processes that are associated with better teamwork and patient safety.Design/methodology/approachEmployees in two intensive care units at a US academic medical center, one with high training penetration (67 percent trained) and one with low penetration (27 percent), were observed and interviewed about CRM principles and teamwork.FindingsThe paper found differences between the units in communication and decision making; it argues that these processes are mediating processes necessary for the effective transfer of CRM training to improvement of safety outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adds to the growing literature concerning health care quality interventions.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that high levels of training concentration are needed, along with incentives for implementation of CRM principles to maximize effectiveness.Originality/valueThis study adds value to the literature by examining the processes mediating CRM training and its intended patient safety outcomes.
Different development programmes – does it make a difference?
Authors: Skytt Bernice , Ljunggren Birgitta , Engström Maria , Carlsson Marianne 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether two groups of first‐line nurse managers perceived improvements in skills and knowledge regarding interpersonal skills and group management, achievement orientation, and organizational view and political savvy after participation in two different development programmes, compared to participants in a comparison group. Further, to understand the first‐line nurse managers' expectations for and experiences of the programme as well as its strengths and weaknesses.Design/methodology/approachA total of 13 first‐line nurse managers participated in a training programme, 14 in a self‐development programme, and 14 in a comparison group. Group interviews were used to describe the managers' expectations for and experiences of the programmes, the Leadership and Management Inventory were used to assess the impact of the programmes.FindingsThe results of the interviews showed that the programmes met many of the participants' expectations. Participants perceived significant improvements – in organizational knowledge following the training programme and in achievement orientation following the self‐development programme.Research limitations/implicationsParticipation in the groups was not based on random assignment.Practical implicationsDifferent development programmes focussing on different issues can increase flexibility and decrease costs, as managers can apply to programmes suited to their development needs.Originality/valueMixed methods have been used in this study: qualitative methods to describe the participants' experiences of the programmes, and quantitative methods to describe the impact of two different leadership programmes and to contrast these results with a comparison group.
Wroe Alderson's Marketing Behaviour and Executive Action inserted into Reavis Cox's marketing theory course at Wharton 50 years ago
Authors: Dixon Donald F. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to describe and evaluate the changes in the content of the marketing theory course at Wharton 50 years ago, taught by Reavis Cox, as a result of the insertion of Wroe Alderson's book Marketing Behaviour and Executive Action.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a personal experience of taking the course before the insertion of Alderson's book and a review of the revised course outline.FindingsThe course content moved away from a broader philosophically based marketing systems course linked to ideas from other disciplines, to one focused on marketing management.Originality/valueThe period in question is an important turning point in the way marketing theory was taught and developed that influenced future development of the discipline in ways that narrowed its focus and limited its contribution.
Tipping point: the teaching of the Wharton marketing theory seminar 50 years ago
Authors: Wilkinson Ian F. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to comment on the meaning and significance of the article by Don Dixon on the change in teaching of marketing theory at Wharton in 1955‐1957.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a personal reflection and consideration of the history of marketing research since 1957.FindingsDixon has throughout his career championed a broad systems framework for understanding marketing. His comments show the beginning of a major shift in marketing theory towards a narrow one sided marketing management focus that limited research and neglected areas that ended up being taken up by other disciplines such as strategic purchasing, supply chains and networks.Originality/valueHighlights a tipping point in the development of marketing theory that restricted the development of marketing theory.
The timeless intellectual contributions of Donald F. Dixon
Authors: Tamilia Robert D. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a review essay of the scholarly work of Donald Dixon, focusing on six of his major contributions to marketing thought and theory.Design/methodology/approachThe research relied heavily on previously published articles, personal interviews and databank searches.FindingsA more complete timeline of the history of marketing thought is presented. The historical work done by Dixon shows us that marketing is not a recent field of human behavior but dates back millennia. His contributions have enriched the marketing discipline and have positioned marketing in its rightful place as a social science studying one aspect of human behavior, which is buying and selling.Practical implicationsKnowing more about the history of marketing is useful both to academics and to practitioners. One learn more about the practitioners and intellectual thinkers of the past who have laid the foundation of marketing as a social science.Originality/valueThe essay ofers but a succinct summary of Dixonian marketing thought with his many contributions to marketing scholarship and macromarketing thought over the past 50 years.
The marketing mix paradigm and the Dixonian systems perspective of marketing
Authors: Rosenbloom Bert , Dimitrova Boryana 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an alternative view of marketing that Donald F. Dixon spent much of his distinguished career developing – a paradigm that we refer to as the Dixonian systems perspective of marketing. It is a paradigm that presents marketing as a phenomenon that reaches far beyond the micro/managerial marketing mix paradigm.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis and interpretation of Donald F. Dixon's and colleagues' scholarly work to distill the essence of Dixon's view of marketing, which we refer to as the Dixonian systems perspective of marketing.FindingsThe Dixon's systems perspective of marketing offers a framework for the analysis of macromarketing issues that is not provided by the conventional marketing mix micro/managerial paradigm.Originality/valueThe paper provides a concise overview of the macro/systems ideas and concepts of marketing contained in Donald F. Dixon's and his colleagues' extensive writings that to date has not been available from any other source.
Giving voice to marketing's intellectual heritage
Authors: Pirog Stephen F. , Smith Michael F. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate Donald F. Dixon's contribution to scholarship in clarifying two parallel streams of thought on marketing's role in value creation: value in use and value in exchange.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a literary analysis of some of Dixon's work that is often overlooked, and a discussion of its relevance to the services, channels and marketing strategy literature.FindingsDixon's distinction between the two streams of thought (“value in use” and “value in exchange”) clarifies an important aspect of marketing's intellectual heritage that has eluded the literature on services marketing, channels and marketing strategy. The consequences of this oversight are considerable.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on an aspect of Dixon's work that is underappreciated and not widely understood.
Households: a systematic unit of analysis through history
Authors: Kaufman‐Scarborough Carol 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend and apply the systems model of the household proposed by Dixon, his colleagues, and his students to situations in which vulnerable consumers are not able to follow the purely rational models of economics. The case of homeless families is examined.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a literature review, an introduction of Baker et al.'s concepts of consumer normalcy and consumer vulnerability, and an application of expanded model to consumer studies of homeless persons published by Ronald Hill and his colleagues.FindingsThe same household systems models might be used to unfold the complex problems that can undermine the functioning in a household, causing it to be unproductive and potentially fail. Applications of the concepts of “consumer normalcy” and “consumer vulnerability” provide a useful platform to develop public policy recommendations, the example of homeless persons will be considered as an illustration.Research limitations/implicationsThe extension and application is limited in that it is applied to analyze data collected approximately 20 years ago. The research should be extended to actual homeless households in the present day, and to additional “types” of households who are likely to encounter vulnerabilities as consumers (e.g. persons with disabilities).Practical implicationsThe four levels of household processes (employment, purchasing, home‐production, and consumption) provide a useful framework for examining households in which vulnerabilities occur. This approach is useful in identifying the gaps in the household processes that can slow down productivity and instead introduce confusion and demoralization, plus continue the spiral of economic deprivation.Social implicationsFor over 50 years, the work of Goffman has played an important role in identifying individuals and households that did not fit societal norms, resulting in their possibly experiencing conditions of stigmatization. Examining specific household types in terms of the functionality or dysfunctionality of their use of inputs may allow researchers to recommend various types of support, training, or assistance related to the household as a system, rather than focusing on the individual without considering the household dynamics.Originality/valueThis paper takes a general systems approach in applying the concepts of consumer normalcy and consumer vulnerability, both based in behavioral theories in the social sciences, to the economic approach to the household emphasizing rational decision making and orderly production functions.
Remembering Don Dixon
Authors: Layton Roger A. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present memories of Don Dixon in Australia and of his outstanding contribution.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on recollections and personal diaries.FindingsDon Dixon made a significant contribution to the development of marketing as social discipline in Australia and to the evolution of the concept of a marketing system.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a reassessment of the role of Don Dixon as an outstanding scholar in the discipline of marketing.
Donald F. Dixon – a true mentor
Authors: Blois Keith 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of the contribution of Donald F. Dixon to the study of marketing as an academic subject.Design/methodology/approachThis paper evaluates three of Dixon's working papers to demonstrate two features of his work. First, Dixon's ability to identify critically important topics of enquiry – topics that are of concern to academics but also that reflects issues in the “real” world. Second, the quality of his scholarship which is based upon an extraordinarily wide knowledge and understanding of the social sciences – especially of the economics and the marketing literatures.FindingsIn addition to the challenge that the quality of his work makes to the quality of much academic research in marketing, Dixon's papers raise fundamental questions about the purpose of marketing as an academic study and also as an economic activity.Originality/valueThis paper shows how even when his ideas were at an early stage of development Dixon analysis was both insightful and rigorous. In addition, the paper also provides an insight into Dixon's generous personality.
Dixon's library: on the structuring of the marketplace and marketing practices
Authors: Tadajewski Mark 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to read a selection of Dixon's library collection in conjunction with his published work in an effort to make his book collection and research speak to contemporary scholars who should be exposed to Dixon's writings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a viewpoint approach.FindingsA case is made that Dixon's work is characterised by a concern with the historical sedimentation and structuration of marketing theory and practice.Originality/valueCalls attention to Dixon's work for scholars who might otherwise have bypassed it by linking it with contemporary interpretive and critical marketing approaches.