bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of attachment in building consumer‐brand relationships: an empirical investigation in the utilitarian consumption context
Authors: Belaid Samy , Temessek Behi Azza 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of attachment in consumer brand relationships and its links with constructs such as trust, satisfaction, commitment and behavioural loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on exploratory and confirmatory studies that provide a model that explains the relationship between brand attachment and its outcomes. A structural equation modelling is used to assess the hypothetical links.FindingsThe findings of the structural model confirm the majority of the hypothesised relationships. Brand attachment is considered as an important input to brand commitment for utilitarian products.Originality/valueFew studies have attempted to model the relationship between brand attachment and its antecedents and outcomes. This research also focused on a particular utilitarian product that is not – apparently – affect laden.
Consumer culture brand positioning strategies: an experimental investigation
Authors: Gammoh Bashar S. , Koh Anthony C. , Okoroafo Sam C. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of global consumer culture positioning (GCCP) in comparison to local consumer culture positioning (LCCP) strategies on consumer evaluations of a new unknown brand.Design/methodology/approachUsing an experimental method in the USA and India, the paper examines if the use of such positioning strategies in a print advertisement stimuli influence consumer evaluations of a fictitious brand.FindingsThe results support the effectiveness of such strategies as demonstrated by overall improvement in subjects' attitudinal evaluations of the fictitious brand when GCCP is used relative to the use of LCCP. Furthermore, our results show a moderation effect for subjects' level of belief in global citizenship on the effectiveness of the GCCP strategy. These results were observed across the two samples.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides valuable managerial insights into the potential value of GCCP strategy and offers specific strategic positioning guides to brand managers competing in the global marketplace.Originality/valueWith the emergence of global market segments, it is important to assist brand managers seeking to strengthen their brand's equity in a competitive global marketplace. This paper contributes to the literature on international brand positioning by empirically investigating the usefulness of GCCP as a strategic positioning guide for global marketing managers.
Willingness to pay for professional services
Authors: Nasr Bechwati Nada 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to build a model to help understand consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for professional services. In this paper, professional services are services where, in general, consumers have the choice of doing the work themselves or outsourcing them such as apparel care, landscaping and tax forms preparation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a regression model to predict WTP. The model includes a set of independent behavioral variables such as subjective knowledge, job anxiety, enjoyment and appreciation of leisure activities. Data from two cross‐sectional surveys completed by 488 and 479 consumers are used to test the proposed model.FindingsThe findings support the importance of behavioral variables as determinants of consumers' WTP for professional services.Practical implicationsUnderstanding which behavioral variables predict consumers' WTP for professional services provides insightful implications. The findings imply that, to increase WTP for professional services, service providers may consider stressing in their promotional messages how much better the outcome is when they (versus consumers) produce the service, and making the importance of leisure activities and the related value of time more salient to consumers.Originality/valueUnlike previous models, designed to measure WTP and which focus on demographic and economic variables, this model introduces a set of behavioral variables. The findings support the importance of these variables in predicting WTP.
Indulgent parsimony: an enduring marketing approach
Authors: Grossberg Kenneth Alan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeIndulgent parsimony (IP) was originally proposed as a marketing strategy for selling to recession‐shocked consumers shopping for less costly goods and services that would still give them comfort, relief from stress, and a feeling of money well spent. Given that recession spread to many nations there is ample reason to consider applying this marketing approach for the longer term. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachBy learning to incorporate the IP concept into their value proposition, executives can address how to implement marketing strategies that will have traction with the very large segment of consumers.FindingsIP, a frugal but emotionally supportive standard of value, remains a timely and appropriate approach to encouraging buying.Practical implicationsBy using emotional appeals that add to the value proposition, IP gives marketers a useful tool to help them design strategies and forecast what types of offerings can succeed.Originality/valueWhat makes IP an effective marketing strategy is that it seeks to simultaneously trigger practical/rational and emotionally‐driven motivators.
The influence of stakeholders on developing enterprising graduates in UK HEIs
Authors: Matlay Harry 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the influence of primary, secondary and tertiary stakeholders on developing enterprising graduates in UK higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachLongitudinal telephone surveys were conducted annually over a ten‐year period (2000 to 2009) to document and analyse a total of 331 stakeholders' influence on developing enterprising graduates in UK HEIs.FindingsThe findings highlighted a number of interesting trends relating to their involvement in, and impact on, entrepreneurship education provision in UK HEIs. A wide range of stakeholders can influence the development of enterprising graduates. Primary stakeholders, such as students, teaching and research staff, managers and administrators emerged as most influential in the development of enterprising graduates. Their influence, representing both the demand and supply sides of entrepreneurship education, was significant and directly relevant to the development of enterprising graduates in UK HEIs.Practical implicationsThe results emerging from this longitudinal research study provide valuable stakeholder perspectives into the development of enterprising graduates in UK HEIs. Policy makers should use these findings to inform relevant entrepreneurship education policies and initiatives, focus them on the specific needs of UK students and ensure that scarce resources are targeted efficiently to develop successful graduate entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study provides an empirically rigorous insight into stakeholder involvement in developing enterprising graduates in the UK. It provides valuable longitudinal data relating to the influence of a wide range of stakeholders on the development of enterprising graduates in UK HEIs.
Enterprising individuals and entrepreneurial learning
Authors: Crick Dave 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide longitudinal case history data from an investigation into the practices of an enterprising individual associated with two firms in the UK tourism industry. The first business had to be closed down despite the partners employing turnaround strategies to recover from a lack of planning, since an effective work/life balance was not achieved; the second has proved to be more successful due to entrepreneurial learning in overcoming earlier errors.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involved multiple in‐depth interviews with the key business owner and his partners in the two respective businesses together with supplementary interviews with staff and viewing documentation for triangulation purposes.FindingsThe findings based on a longitudinal case history suggest that some enterprising individuals may learn from certain past mistakes but could still need others to support particular business practices for them to succeed. The results also suggest that, even if a badly performing business can be turned around, owner/managers must be aware of the potential social costs that can be incurred in implementing strategies. As such, it demonstrates the need to learn from experiences and plan for social as well as work‐related issues to maintain a work/life balance, particularly in a “lifestyle” business.Practical implicationsThe implications of the findings suggest that advisors (including university teaching) involved with assisting entrepreneurs make them aware of the need for effective planning. In particular, that the widely reported hard work and long hours involved in running a business can take a toll on personal lives and the work/life balance of enterprising individuals must be managed.Originality/valueThe main aspect of originality of the paper comes from the study of social costs of running an entrepreneurial venture, but the longitudinal nature of the study provides a further aspect of originality in this field of research.
An examination of entrepreneurship educator profiles in business programs in the United States
Authors: Kabongo Jean D. , McCaskey Patrick H. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis study aims to assess the profiles of faculty teaching entrepreneurship courses in a sample of entrepreneurship programs in the USA for the years 2007‐2008.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed and mailed to entrepreneurship programs directors to provide information for answering questions concerning the following: educational backgrounds, primary teaching focus, research interests, publications in academic journals, and entrepreneurial experience brought into the classroom.FindingsThe results of the study demonstrate that only one‐fifth of the faculty members in the sample held a PhD in entrepreneurship or in combination with another field in a business discipline. Three out of four faculty members concentrated their teaching in the field of entrepreneurship. More than one‐third of the faculty members had a research interest in the field of entrepreneurship. One‐fourth of faculty sampled had published in entrepreneurship journals. The majority of the faculty brought entrepreneurial experience to their classrooms.Research limitations/implicationsThe fact that the study depended exclusively on the data available from 218 “non‐ranked” entrepreneurship programs in the USA represents a distinct limitation. Future research is needed to compare study results with a sample incorporating top ranked entrepreneurship programs in the country.Originality/valueThis study will assist administrators and institutions in preparing new faculty to embrace the field of entrepreneurship education.
Learning to learn: a case for developing small firm owner/managers
Authors: Higgins David , Aspinall Coral 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to contribute to the management development debate by providing insight on the dynamics of organisational learning and human interaction in the SME firm. The paper sets out to consider how a practice‐based perspective of knowledge is useful in this regard.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is theoretical in its intent and adopts a social constructionist view of knowledge and learning. Using qualitative analysis the paper establishes a review of the current literature by highlighting the centrality of knowledge and learning.FindingsThe literature has suggested that critical aspects of learning within the SME firm are based on contextualised action, critical reflection and social interaction. A limited number of studies account for how practice is configured and influenced, in terms of value, uniqueness and scope of what is known, and how these influences can vary depending on the contexts in which knowledge is being used, and potentially used.Practical implicationsThere is a strong recognition in many of the empirical studies of learning and its use in the SME firm that knowledge is gained through practice as opposed to formal instruction. What current research does not reflect is the changing nature of knowledge research in the wider organisational community, which has focused its attention on the situated nature of knowledgeable activity or knowing in practice.Originality/valueThe paper argues that learning through practice, with its focus on real world issues and lived experiences, which are contextually embedded in the owner‐manager's environment, may provide a better means of successfully developing practitioner‐focused owner/managers.
Funding of university spin‐off companies: a conceptual approach to financing challenges
Authors: Sørheim Roger , Øystein Widding Lars , Oust Martin , Madsen Øystein 
Published: February 2011

PurposeDuring the last decade, there has been an increasing focus on commercialization of knowledge and technology from universities. However, universities report financing as being the main impediment to successful university spin‐off companies (USOs) creation, leaving valuable inventions un‐commercialized. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model in order to explain financing challenges experienced by USOs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a conceptual model illustrating financing challenges met by USOs, and provides an explanation why TTOs report that obtaining financing is their biggest impediment to spin‐off creation. Two different theoretical perspectives back this conceptual development: Knightian uncertainty and agency theory.FindingsThis theoretical examination suggests that increasing levels of uncertainty affect the investor's willingness to fund new companies in a negative way. Through the literature review, clear indications were also found for the increased uncertainty with which USOs are faced. It is therefore natural to conclude that investors are more reluctant to invest in USOs because of the level of uncertainty compared with other entrepreneurial companies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study made a generalization of USOs as a homogeneous group of companies, which is an oversimplification. Further research should address how different business models, types of resources and their institutional link affect USOs' capital requirements and their problems in raising the required capital.Originality/valueThe main contribution from this paper is the combination of theoretical insights from the concepts of Knightian uncertainty and agency theory. These combined with insights from previous empirical studies explain why USOs face specific challenges in order to raise risk capital.
Entrepreneurship and small businesses in Russia: a review of empirical research
Authors: Ojala Arto , Isomäki Hannakaisa 
Published: February 2011

PurposeEntrepreneurship and small businesses in Russia have been of academic interest for over 15 years. This paper seeks to bring together current knowledge concerning the phenomenon, and to suggest further directions for research.Design/methodology/approachThe study consists of a systematic review of 48 refereed empirical articles on entrepreneurship and small businesses in Russia.FindingsFrom the articles reviewed it appears that entrepreneurs in Russia use non‐material resources to overcome the financial and institutional obstacles, which still seem to afflict the market. However, theoretical and methodological issues are, in many cases, poorly reported and this undermines the scientific rigour of the studies they report.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the wide scope of the studies reviewed the results included here provide somewhat broad‐brush descriptions of the phenomenon. However, it is believed that the findings are valuable for an understanding of the current situation for entrepreneurship and small businesses in Russia. The findings may also stimulate more in‐depth research in this increasingly important topic.Originality/valueTo the best of one's knowledge, no literature review on this topic has previously been published in academic journals.
Environmental conditions and entrepreneurial activity: a regional comparison in Spain
Authors: Alvarez Claudia , Urbano David , Coduras Alicia , Ruiz‐Navarro José 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to analyse the influence of environmental factors on entrepreneurship at the Spanish regional level, using institutional economics as the theoretical framework for the research. Additionally, this work aims to emphasize how environmental conditions have different effects according to the gender of entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachRegional panel data (19 Spanish regions and the 2006‐2009 period) from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), specifically from the Spanish National Expert Survey (NES) for environmental conditions and the GEM Adult Population Survey (APS) for entrepreneurial activity were analysed within a fixed effects model with panel corrected standard errors.FindingsThe main findings of the study indicate that both informal (cultural and social norms, perception of opportunities to start‐up and entrepreneur social image) and formal factors (intellectual property rights) influence entrepreneurship, but the informal are more determinant than the formal. Concerning the gender issues, informal and formal institutions are also determinant, but female entrepreneurship is significantly associated with the women's support to start‐up, whereas primary and higher education are associated only with male entrepreneurial activity.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the research should be interpreted carefully, because the availability of data constrained the analysis to a time period that is not reflective of the economic cycle; on the contrary, the data correspond to a period of recession, and thus the results cannot be generalized. Also, the study could extend the analysed period and compare the obtained results with international data, considering the global number of participant countries in the GEM Project.Originality/valueThe study provides a methodology to analyse the environmental factors for new firm creation at a regional level, combining GEM data and institutional economics.
Effectiveness of formal and informal surveillance in reducing crime at grocery stores
Authors: Kajalo Sami , Lindblom Arto 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis study aims to analyse grocery retail entrepreneurs' perceptions of the effectiveness of both informal and formal surveillance in reducing vandalism, disturbance, and shoplifting in their stores.Design/methodology/approachThe present study utilizes elements of CPTED in its theoretical approach. The population for the study consisted of 946 Finnish grocery store K‐retail entrepreneurs. The data collection was carried out through an internet survey in February and March 2009. A total of 161 grocery store retailers filled in the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 17 percent.FindingsThis study shows that, of different types of security problems, grocery store retailers view shoplifting as the most severe. To reduce this and other security problems, retailers have invested in several forms of formal and informal surveillance. Among these investments CCTV systems seem to be the most prominent. However, respondents did not view high‐tech surveillance as the most effective. Instead, this study shows that retailers view security guards and activity of the personnel as the most effective ways for reducing vandalism, disturbance, and shoplifting in their stores. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of store environment, e.g. clean and well‐lit premises, as an important way of reducing crime.Research limitations/implicationsQualitative studies could reveal issues that would enable more thorough operationalization of the concepts linked to surveillance and security in the store environment.Practical implicationsThe paper sensitizes retail entrepreneurs to think where informal and formal surveillance work best in the store environment.Originality/valueVery little empirical research has evaluated the effectiveness of surveillance in store environment. The present study fills this research gap, at least to some extent.
An assessment of the competitiveness of the Moroccan tourism industry
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud , Alavi Jafar , Koubida Sallem , Small Michael H. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine practices, realities and opportunities relevant to Moroccan tourism. In the process, the competitiveness of this vital economic sector is assessed. Based on this examination, relevant, benchmarking implications are identified and advanced to policy makers.Design/methodology/approachThe shift‐share technique is utilized to analyze tourist arrivals, from different regions of the world, to Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt. The shift‐share analysis is utilized to understand the existing competitive position of Morocco in relation to her main competitors.FindingsThe results of the shift‐share analysis revealed that Morocco has not performed as well as the rest of the competitors in the benchmark group. This was attributed, in part, to focusing on markets with less potential for growth.Research limitations/implicationsThe shift‐share technique utilized in this study is a diagnostic tool. Thus, more research is needed to uncover the dynamic relationships relevant to the competitive position of Moroccan tourism.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have clear benchmarking implications to Moroccan policy makers, as they pursue a more comprehensive and systematic tourism strategy.Originality/valueThe applied research presented in this article is consistent with the increasing significance of global tourism.