bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMEs' dependency on banks during international expansion
Authors: Lindstrand Angelika , Lindbergh Jessica 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether banks are needed as partners for internationalising small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and, if so, in what ways they affect SMEs. The purpose can, in a wider sense, shed light on institutions' intermediating functions for transactions in the economy, both locally and internationally.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was distributed to Swedish SMEs involved in international activities. A sample of 318 SMEs was used. The results are presented as descriptive statistics and by using t‐tests.FindingsThe findings show that banks are the least used source of information for internationalising SMEs. The results also show that banks do not participate in SME business networks when SMEs are internationalising. SMEs that have been dependent on banks when developing their international business relationships, however, tend to have previously depended on the bank when conducting business.Practical implicationsIt is believed there is much to be gained, both for SMEs and banks, in developing their business exchange and reciprocal understanding. The bank can make SME international operations and financial situations flow more efficiently. This in turn may improve SME growth, thus creating more business opportunities between banks and SMEs.Originality/valueThe study fills a gap in the literature and knowledge concerning banks' effects on SMEs' internationalisation.
Defining a bearing replacement strategy using Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Thomas A.J. , Chard J. , John E. , Davies A. , Francis M. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a bearing replacement strategy which employs the Monte Carlo simulation method. In this contribution the method is used to estimate the economic impact on the selection of a particular bearing change strategy. The simulation demonstrates that it is possible to identify the most cost‐effective approach and thus suggests a suitable bearing replacement policy, which in turn allows engineers to develop the appropriate maintenance schedules for their company.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops the Monte Carlo method through a case study approach. Three case studies are presented. The first study is detailed and chronicles the design, development and implementation of the Monte Carlo method as a means of defining a bearing replacement strategy within a subject company. The second and third cases outline the application of the Monte Carlo method in two different environments. These applications made it possible to obtain proof of concept and also to further prove the effectiveness of the Monte Carlo simulation approach.FindingsAn effective development of the Monte Carlo approach is proposed and the effectiveness of the method is subsequently evaluated, highlighting the benefits to the host organization and how the approach led to significant improvement in machinery reliability through a bearing replacement strategy.Practical implicationsThe design, development and implementation of a bearing replacement strategy provide a simple yet effective approach to achieving significant improvements in system reliability and performance through less downtime and greater cost savings. The paper offers practising maintenance managers and engineers a strategic framework for increasing productive efficiency and output.Originality/valueThe proposed bearing replacement strategy contributes to the existing knowledge base on maintenance systems and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support towards increasing the development companies in an attempt to move the UK manufacturing sector towards world‐class manufacturing performance.
The role of leadership competencies for implementing TQM
Authors: Das Anupam , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis research seeks to identify the specific leadership competencies required for implementing Total Quality Management (TQM); to examine the influence of leadership competencies for implementing individual TQM principles; and to examine the relationship of the TQM implementation principles with TQM outcomes among the Thai manufacturing companies with different levels of leadership competencies.Design/methodology/approachData have been collected from 265 ISO 9000‐certified companies in the Thai manufacturing industry to examine the validity and reliability of the leadership competencies construct; nine TQM implementation constructs (top management commitment, supplier quality management, continuous improvement, product innovation, benchmarking, employee involvement, reward and recognition, education and training, and customer focus); and one outcome construct (product quality). The findings are cross‐validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Step‐wise regression methods have been used to identify the influence of leadership competencies for implementing TQM principles.FindingsThis research confirms the necessity for top management to perform as leaders for implementing TQM. Companies with high leadership competencies execute each of the nine TQM principles more effectively and are able to produce higher quality products. This research also finds that the relationships of TQM implementation constructs and the outcome construct (product quality) are not same in the different contexts of leadership competencies. The predictors of product quality in the context of high leadership competencies are: customer focus; continuous improvement; employee involvement; and supplier quality management. The predictors of product quality in companies with low leadership competencies are top management commitment; customer focus; and product innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study used only product quality as the outcome of TQM efforts, but the outcome of TQM is not limited only to product quality. TQM is also related to other organizational performance variables, namely – customer satisfaction, employee morale, delivery, productivity, cash flow, and sales growth. Future research should be extended by using other performance variables as the outcome of TQM.Originality/valueIt is believed that this research reveals new insights about the manufacturing sector of Thailand. This research also has managerial and research implications for designing and formulating operations strategy for implementing TQM.
Statistical tolerancing through discretization of variables
Authors: Ghosh Tirthankar , Roy Dilip 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to consider the role of discretization of random variables in analyzing statistical tolerancing, and to propose a new discretizing method along with a study on its usefulness.Design/methodology/approachThe approach for discretization of a continuous distribution is based on the concept of moment equalization with the original random variable, conditionally given a set of points of realization. For the purpose of demonstration the normal distribution has been discretized into seven points. Application of the discretization method in approximating the distribution/survival function of a complex system has also been studied. Numerical analysis on two important engineering items has been undertaken and the closeness between the values of the distribution/survival functions obtained by simulation and the proposed method has been examined to indicate the advantage of the proposed approach.FindingsA comparative study with the earlier reported discretizing methods indicates that the proposed method, which is easy to implement, provides better results for most of the cases studied in this work.Research limitations/implicationsUsing the proposed approach one can approximate the probability distribution of a complex system with random component values, which cannot be analytically expressed.Practical implicationsThis paper is able to provide a new direction in reliability management research, because it can be used for product design of many important engineering items such as solid‐shaft, hollow cylinder, torsion bar, I‐beam etc.Originality/valueThis research gives a new linear method of discretization. It gives better results than the existing discretization methods of Experimental design, Moment equalization, and Discrete Concentration for reliability (survival probability) determination of solid‐shaft and power resistor.
The antecedents of relationship quality in Malaysia and New Zealand
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Khoo‐Lattimore Catheryn , Yang Lin , Capel Celine Marie 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the relational dynamics, namely trust, personalisation, communication, conflict handling and empathy, and relationship quality in the banking industry of two culturally dissimilar nations – Malaysia and New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachBank customers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Dunedin, New Zealand were surveyed using a questionnaire. Bank intercept technique was used in administering the instrument. A total of 358 customers (comprising 150 from Malaysia and 208 from New Zealand) provided the data for the study. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe results of the study show that the five relational dynamics explain 84 percent and 76 percent of variations in relationship quality in Malaysia and New Zealand respectively. Communication, trust, and empathy are significantly related with relationship quality in both countries, whereas personalisation has a significant impact on relationship quality in New Zealand but not in Malaysia. The results also reveal that conflict handling is significantly and marginally associated with relationship quality in New Zealand and Malaysia respectively.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study was conducted on the banking industry, the outcome may be relevant to other service sectors. Further, understanding relational dynamics in different cultures is important, as the study has shown; thus integrating culture in the relationship marketing/management models would advance the understanding of culture roles in consumers' perceptions of and influences on relationship quality.Originality/valueThe paper assesses and compares the impact of relational dynamics on relationship quality among bank customers from two different cultures. By comparing opposite cultures this study is an advance over past single country studies, and enhances the prospect of generalizing the findings.
Comparing perceptions of marketing communication channels
Authors: Danaher Peter J. , Rossiter John R. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is threefold: To compare many old and new media channels in terms of a range of attributes such as perceived intrusiveness, reliability, trustworthiness, convenience, and entertainment value. To compare the perceived relative effectiveness of alternative communication channels in terms of how a marketing proposition is evaluated by recipients and thus to establish whether some channels are better than others for achieving engagement and persuasion. To additionally survey the senders of marketing communications, to examine potential differences between how senders think recipients perceive each channel and what recipients actually perceive. Moreover, it is proposed that the survey be conducted in both consumer and business markets.Design/methodology/approachFirst, in a survey, the channels are compared from the perspective of both receivers and senders of marketing communications and additionally from that of consumer and business markets. Second, by means of experimentally generated scenarios, the paper assesses the relative effectiveness of the 11 channels in eliciting responses to two typical B‐to‐C and two B‐to‐B promotion offers.FindingsThe paper finds that, although e‐mail is well established and widely used, the traditional channels of television, radio, newspapers and direct mail retain their historically favored attributes of trust and reliability of information that make them still preferred by consumer recipients of marketing communications, even by “tech savvy” younger consumers who use e‐mail and SMS extensively. Business receivers are more accepting of e‐mail marketing communications than are consumers but, like consumers, they are more likely to act on a marketing offer if it comes through traditional mass media or mail channels.Originality/valueThe paper enables marketing managers to assess the relative benefits of a number of marketing communication channels.
The role of mixed emotions in consumer behaviour
Authors: Penz Elfriede , Hogg Margaret K. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeMixed emotions (i.e. consumer ambivalence) play a central role in approach‐avoidance conflicts in retailing. In order to assess how consumer ambivalence impacts shopping behaviour, this paper seeks to conceptualize and investigate the multi‐dimensional antecedents of approach‐avoidance conflicts, experienced by shoppers in changing retail environments, and the importance of approach‐avoidance conflicts for consumers' decision to stay and complete their purchase in that particular shopping channel.Design/methodology/approachUsing a cross‐country study, which compared online and offline consumers, the paper tested the influence of the situation, product, and reference group on shoppers' intentions; and identified how consumers' mixed emotions influenced approach‐avoidance conflicts in different retail settings.FindingsWhereas some distinctions could be drawn between online and offline contexts when examining the impact of market‐related, product‐related and social factors on consumers' decision to shop (H1, H2, H3 and H4), no clear distinction could be drawn between online and offline channels in terms of mediating effects of mixed emotions (H5,H6andH7). Mixed emotions (ambivalence) did mediate the impact of certain product‐related, market‐related and personal factors on consumers' intention to purchase.Practical implicationsRetailers need to reduce the impact of consumers' emotional responses to the retail setting where mixed emotions are likely to lead to consumers leaving the stores. For online shops, those retailers are successful who are able to induce behavioural reactions that make consumers return and explore the web site and not use it for search only.Originality/valueResponding to calls for further research on mixed emotions and their consequences, the paper captures the complex impact of consumers' mixed emotions on approach‐avoidance conflicts, and thereby extends earlier work on consumer ambivalence.
Market systems, stakeholders and value propositions
Authors: Vargo Stephen L. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview of the European Journal of Marketing's special section on the Forum of Markets and Marketing, “Extending Service‐Dominant Logic”.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a conceptual integration of core concepts in S‐D logic, markets, and marketing.FindingsThis special section provides insight into the complexity of markets by investigating markets as configurations and systems and how value propositions drive value co‐creation.Research limitations/implicationsThis introduction to the special section integrates individual contributions toward advancing S‐D logic and suggests that additional research in this area will help to develop a general theory of markets and marketing.Practical implicationsThe overview of this special section provides insight into how the development of a positive theory of the market(s) will help to further advance normative marketing theories and practice.Originality/valueThis overview of the special section integrates multiple perspectives on complex, dynamic systems and discusses their contributions to the development of an S‐D logic‐based theory of the market.
A stakeholder perspective of the value proposition concept
Authors: Frow Pennie , Payne Adrian 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe value proposition concept and the stakeholder perspective have received relatively little attention within Service‐Dominant (S‐D) logic. This paper sets out to explore value propositions in the context of S‐D logic, within the multiple stakeholder domains that form part of a marketing system. Its purpose is to identify how use of the value proposition concept, in this broader context, provides new insight into value creation within a value network.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the development of value propositions in key stakeholder market domains. A five‐step process is developed for identifying key stakeholders and co‐creating value propositions for them within a marketing system.FindingsValue propositions have a key role in co‐creation of value between stakeholders. The development of value propositions in multiple stakeholder domains can provide an important mechanism for aligning value within a marketing system.Practical implicationsStakeholder value propositions provide enhanced opportunities for value co‐creation and can assist managers in aligning value and stabilizing relationships within an organization's value network.Originality/valueThis paper considers a broader view of value through creation of value propositions for key stakeholders. An iterative framework is proposed that couples the stakeholder concept and value co‐creation.
Markets as configurations
Authors: Storbacka Kaj , Nenonen Suvi 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a general theory of the market, by defining markets as configurations and exploring: how market configurations emerge and evolve in a business‐to‐business context; how a market actor can influence market configurations; and what kinds of market configuration capabilities actors need to develop.Design/methodology/approachThe topic is approached by theoretical analysis and conceptual development.FindingsMarkets can be viewed as configurations of market actors engaging in market practices. Market configurations are perpetually dynamic as new actors enter the context, and as actors introduce ideas and business model elements to the network. As a result the configuration's marketness evolves towards higher levels of configurational fit, resulting in increased value co‐creation opportunities. An actor wanting to influence the market configuration can do so by working on its mental models and business models. The power of the actor's mental and business models is mediated by the actor's network position, its clout, and the fact that a change in any element evokes reactions from other actors. Actors need to develop new sets of market capabilities, such as value sensing, the ability to measure markets, price formation and pricing logics, and market scripting.Originality/valueFor a scholarly audience the paper contributes to the discussion on how markets are redefined from being places where demand and supply meet and reach equilibrium, to being spaces where actors integrate resources to co‐create value. For a practitioner audience it offers ideas on how firms can shape their markets in their favour.
Towards a theory of marketing systems
Authors: Layton Roger A. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeAs specialisation takes root in human communities, the economics of scale and of diversity come into play. Scale leads to product markets, specialised firms, channels, and to industries. Diversity generates peasant markets, shopping malls, and business eco‐systems. These outcomes are all examples of marketing systems, and are typical of the patterns that emerge, grow, adapt and evolve in complex transaction flows. Marketing systems are multi‐level, path dependent, dynamic systems, embedded within a social matrix, and interacting with institutional and knowledge environments. The purpose of this paper is to outline a number of propositions that might serve as a basis for a theory of marketing systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on historical research into the evolution of exchange and on examples of markets and exchange practices from marketing, anthropology, sociology, and economics. It utilises results from complex adaptive systems theory, from the networks and markets literatures, and from ecology, to formulate a series of propositions that identify properties believed to be common to all marketing systems.FindingsMarketing systems are identified and categorized as emergent patterns in flows of transactions. In total, 12 foundational propositions are suggested. The propositions are complementary to those suggested by S‐D logic.Originality/valueThis paper offers a fresh approach to the study of marketing systems, developing relevant theory. Marketing systems link micro choices with macro outcomes, with implications ranging from disaster recovery to distributive justice and QOL outcomes.
Dynamics of value propositions: insights from service‐dominant logic
Authors: Kowalkowski Christian 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the notion of value propositions (promises of reciprocal value between service providers and their customers), value‐in‐exchange and value‐in‐use, all within the conceptual context of service‐dominant (S‐D) logic.Design/methodology/approachResponding to calls in the recent literature for an academic critique of S‐D logic, its key constructs, and its application in marketing situations of varying complexity, the paper presents a conceptual analysis of the determinants of value emphasis in value propositions from the S‐D perspective.FindingsFour guiding principles are derived from a rigorous analysis of the relevant literatures. Ways are discussed in which firms might achieve greater flexibility in designing their market offerings, and thus manage different customer segments using different value propositions. The general conclusion is that the ability to communicate a firm's value propositions strategically and effectively is a new area for the development of competence at the core of competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings pave the way for empirical research into the dynamics of value propositions. Since the main focus of the conceptual framework is on the customer‐provider dyad, future studies should broaden coverage to multilateral settings and networked environments.Practical implicationsFactors that determine the relative emphasis in value propositions between value‐in‐exchange and value‐in‐use are discussed, and the management implications derived from each of the four principles identified.Originality/valueThe paper elaborates the application of S‐D logic in marketing by investigating the determinants of relative emphasis of value propositions.