bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of churn behavior of consumers in Indian telecom sector
Authors: Geetha M. , Abitha Kumari Jensolin 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of the usage pattern of non‐revenue earning customers (NREC) who cause revenue churn in the company and are susceptible to churn in the near future. These NREC customers were analyzed to discern a pattern in their usage and to serve as proactive measure to prevent customer churn.Design/methodology/approachData from a leading telecom service provider were analyzed. The company has around seven lakh consumer mobile users. Within the seven lakhs consumer mobile users around two lakh customers are active users, i.e. revenue earning customers. This group of active customers also consists of around 37,388 customers who move to dormant state (from revenue earning to non‐revenue earning) every month. These customers were analyzed to understand their susceptibility to churn.FindingsAnalysis of revenue dump data indicates consumers with overall usage revenue per minute greater than 75 paise (USD 0.01) and those with greater usage of value added services are susceptible to churn. Also based on the nature of calls, churn occurs with the subscribers making more calls to other networks rather than to the same network.Research limitations/implicationsIn a fiercely competitive market, service providers constantly focus on customer retention. The study has high importance as it helps to find out the customers who are likely to churn. This would help telecom companies create proactive rather than reactive strategies toward customer churn.Originality/valueEarlier studies identified the reasons for customer churn and attributed the same to it. The authors propose that prior to customer churn there is a distinct shift in his/her usage pattern with the current service provider and this behavior is termed revenue churn. This revenue churn ultimately leads to customer churn from the network. This revenue churn is not explored much in detail in the literature.
Predictors of preference for financial investment products using CART analysis
Authors: Kalra Sahi Shalini , Dhameja Nand , Pratap Arora Ashok 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of a post hoc predictive segmentation procedure to find out the variables that are the most important predictors of investor's preference for specific financial investment products.Design/methodology/approachThe study considers various demographic, socio‐economic and psychographic variables for the purpose of understanding the investor's preferences. Using a sample of individual investors (n=377), a classification and regression tree (CART) methodology was used to determine whether psychographic variables were better predictors than demographic and socio‐economic variables for understanding an individual investor's preference for the investment alternatives.FindingsThe results showed that psychographic variables emerged as the most important predictors in the case of investment products with greater degree of risk, and the demographic and socio‐economic variables emerged as the most important for the investment instruments with lesser degree of risk. However, when the sample was divided based on occupation profile (government and non‐government), for both the fixed returns based instruments and the non‐fixed instruments, psychographic variables emerged as the most important predictors.Practical implicationsThese results show the need for financial service providers to consider the psychographic variables along with demographic and socio‐economic variables, so as to better understand and advise the financial consumers. This would enable the financial service institutions to target their audience more sharply, so as to develop appropriate marketing strategies and further build the investor's trust.Originality/valueThis paper is a first of its kind to empirically identify the most important variable that determines the financial consumer's preference for investment products in India, using CART technique. This study contributes to furthering the understanding of investor behavior.
Exploring the impacts of involvement and flow experiences in Second Life on people's travel intentions
Authors: Huang Yu‐Chih , Backman Sheila J. , Backman Kenneth F. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe virtual world environment presents new business opportunities for building destination images that allow customers to make an informed decision and initiate travel arrangements. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of flow theory and the concept of involvement in understanding the impacts of virtual experiences of Second Life on people's travel intentions.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduate college students at Clemson University were chosen as participants and data was collected in April 2009, entailing 42 usable surveys.FindingsThe results validate the notion that flow is a useful and practical instrument to understand users' experiences while navigating the 3D virtual world of Second Life. The achievement of an engaging and pleasant experience in Second Life is influenced by three factors: the skills available to tackle challenging tasks, the perception of interactivity, and the degree of presence sensation perceived by customers. Furthermore, the findings indicated that flow experience mediated the association between involvement and people's behavioral intentions.Originality/valueThis study is a stepping stone on the road to investigating new marketing media, as more systematic research is needed to investigate the virtual experience and its effects on how travelers make decisions.
Effects of e‐servicescape on consumers' flow experiences
Authors: Lee Seonjeong (Ally) , Jeong Miyoung 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the importance of e‐servicescape in the context of the lodging industry, based on the holistic perspective, by examining ambient, design, and social factors of the virtual environment. Employing the Stimulus‐Organism‐Response (S‐O‐R) model as a theoretical background, this study conceptually proposes a theoretical model, investigating the relationships among e‐servicescape, online consumers' flow experiences, emotion, satisfaction, and their behaviors. In addition, this study extends knowledge of e‐servicescape, incorporating individual differences, online consumers' self‐regulatory focus, in the proposed conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive literature review, this study proposes a conceptual framework and eight propositions to investigate the dimensions of e‐servicescape (i.e., design, ambient, and social factors) and its consequences towards online consumers.FindingsBased on the S‐O‐R and Regulatory Focus Theory as theoretical backgrounds, this study proposes eight propositions, positing the relationships between e‐servicescape and its consequences (flow experiences, emotion, satisfaction, and approach/avoidance behaviors), which will be moderated by each individual's self‐regulatory focus, either prevention‐focused or promotion‐focused strategy.Originality/valueFulfilling an identified need to further develop the virtual environment in the lodging industry, this study proposes a conceptual model of e‐servicescape to investigate its effects on online consumers' emotions, cognitions, and behaviors as well as an individual's self‐regulatory focus as a moderator.
Policy pragmatism: Qatar and the global events circuit
Authors: Foley Malcolm , McGillivray David , McPherson Gayle 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to give an interesting insight into the rise in event bidding and delivery of sports mega‐events from Qatar and the Middle East. This paper seeks to examine the shift in government policies and citizen relationships in the Middle East and Gulf Region, focusing on the specific case of Qatar from its staging of the 15th Asian Games in 2006 to present.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with an overview of the main literature on the importance of sport events as a vehicle for securing global profile for cities and nations. The paper draws upon the authors' participation at the 15th Asian Games and interviews conducted there and latterly, desk‐based research involving scrutiny of Qatar's recent policy pronouncements and published materials pertaining to sporting events in the intervening period since the 2006 Games.FindingsThe findings are presented in the form of a case study, using the Asian Games as a starting point and finishing with Qatar's latest bids for sporting mega‐events. The paper presents a conceptual analysis of the situation in Doha and reveals a ten‐year strategy from Qatar to set itself apart from its neighbors in bidding to host mega‐sporting events and in its progress in terms of civil rights for women. This has allowed wider participation in sport and ensured Qatar can bid for the most prestigious global sporting events.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper adds to the wider public policy discussion and contributes to the body of knowledge in this area. The authors have written extensively on events policy but believe issues of democracy versus ruling states, emotional bidding and awarding to such states will continue to rise over the coming years and these have significant implications for both event owners in awarding such bids but also for policy makers in legitimizing bidding for such events in this context.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that the currency of awarding events to countries in the Middle East, Africa and South America is politically and socially important and of major interest to both the public and academics at present.
The effect of word of mouth on inbound tourists' decision for traveling to Islamic destinations (the case of Isfahan as a tourist destination in Iran)
Authors: Reza Jalilvand Mohamad , Samiei Neda 
Published: March 2012

PurposeWord of mouth (WOM) is becoming recognized as an important form of promotion and an important source of information influencing consumer's attitudes and purchase behavior. WOM is especially important in the tourism industry, whose intangible products are difficult to evaluate prior to their consumption. The purpose of this paper is to survey the effect of WOM on tourists' decision for travelling to an Islamic destination.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a field research among 224 inbound tourists who have visited Isfahan as an Islamic destination, and the data were analyzed using regression and correlation. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applicable for the inference relationships between tourist characteristics and using WOM. The survey period was from June 2 to June 29, 2010.FindingsTwo findings have been concluded in this survey. First, WOM affects the decision of tourists for travelling to Isfahan. Second, nationality, gender, purpose of trip, and previous experience of travelling were associated with using WOM among prospective tourists.Practical implicationsManagers should develop complete understanding of WOM and try to stimulate WOM about destinations among tourists, because most tourists are influenced by information from informal sources.Originality/valueThe paper shows that customer‐oriented tourism programs improve the numbers of inbound tourists to a particular destination.
Islamic marketing: insights from a critical perspective
Authors: Jafari Aliakbar 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to encourage a critical dialogue within the realm of Journal of Islamic Marketing. It invites marketing scholars and practitioners working on various topics related to Islam and Muslim societies to adopt fresh theoretical and methodological positions that would enhance the understanding of multiple marketing and market dynamics in Muslim societies.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses a critical approach.FindingsThe author suggests that the advancement of knowledge in the area of Islamic marketing requires reflexivity and self‐critique.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper highlights the constructive value of critical approach to the development of marketing theory and practice.Originality/valueThis paper reflects the author's personal viewpoint on the production of knowledge and improving practice in the realm of Islamic marketing.
Restaurant managers' perspectives on halal certification
Authors: Zannierah Syed Marzuki Sharifah , Hall Collin Michael , Ballantine Paul William 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of restaurant managers toward halal certification.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 33 interview sessions were conducted among restaurant managers in halal certified, halal claimant and non‐halal restaurants and the data were coordinated into common themes.FindingsRestaurant managers feel that halal certification is very prevalent in the hospitality industry, as it promotes the importance of restaurant managers having knowledge of Muslims' dietary restrictions, sensitivity and religious practices; halal certification signifies that it has some attributes that make it unique and at the same time conforming to the Islamic dietary rules.Originality/valueThis study is very significant as this is the first paper to examine attitudes of restaurant managers in relation to halal certification in Malaysia. It is gathered that very few researches were performed in the hospitality industry pertaining to halal certification, although the demand for halal foods is growing.
Globality and intentionality attribution of animosity
Authors: Abd‐Razak Ili‐Salsabila , Abdul‐Talib Asmat‐Nizam 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the globality and intentionality aspects of consumer boycotts among the Muslim dominant markets around the world through the consumer animosity perspective, to provide better understanding of the issues. Some applied and potential solutions for marketers and policy makers in dealing with the issues are also discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical definition of consumer boycotts through the consumer animosity perspective is proposed and the relevance of the discussion is considered. The relationships between the globality and intentionality attributions with animosity and consumer boycotts are assessed before strategies to deal with the issues are diagnosed. Seminal works of classic and current consumer boycotts and animosity literature are reviewed in developing the conceptual background of the paper. Further conceptual reflections are stated based on the depicted current events in the market around the world.FindingsThe conceptual discussion revealed that consumer boycotts in the Muslim dominant market and animosity are two related issues worthy being explored. The issues are of the global concern and occurred unintentionally, therefore they could stimulate unexpected outcomes for the marketers and policy makers alike. Nonetheless, several strategies in dealing with the issues are found to be effective in preventing the issues from getting worse. However, the strategies would not work for all entities in all situations. Understanding the root of the issues would be the best solution.Research limitations/implicationsThe discussion is limited to conceptual background of the aspects discussed. Further empirical studies would enhance the applicability of the discussions presented.Practical implicationsIn order to find strategies to deal with consumer boycotts in the Muslim dominant markets, marketers need to understand the real reason for the events to occur and demonstrate sincere understanding towards the issues. By doing so, consumer boycotts would not obstruct the progress and growth of the international business in general. Looking at the issues from the animosity perspective is a prolific attempt to understand the events.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the relationship between consumer boycotts and animosity in the Muslim dominant markets and offers understanding of the specific events occurrence. The discussion is extended to describe the events' globality and intentionality attribution assessment.
The new wave of transformational Islamic marketing
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to reflect on the subject discipline of Islamic marketing and connecting activities in the Journal of Islamic Marketing. And, second, to capture key discussions and experiences, with the aim of refining definitions and approaches; in order to set a clear vision for scholarship in the field.Design/methodology/approachExpert knowledge elicitation from literature, key practitioners and academics, whilst serving on the Editorial Advisory Board; using participant observation methods and the Socratic elenchus. Data were gathered whilst the author presented at conferences and held a series of guest lectures, over a two‐year period in: India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and UK.FindingsThe term “Islamic marketing” is still very new, and reflective of an emergent phenomenon which stretches across the Muslim world and beyond. It draws from established subject disciplines in Business and Management, but also reaches into areas of Islamic studies and other social sciences. Furthermore, its interest and applicability has garnered support from those regardless of any Islamic faith. As such, there are varying perspective and standpoints, which have raised discussions as to how this phenomenon should be defined and understood; and moving forward should be researched and served by practitioners.Originality/valueThis paper gives consideration to a fan of opinions and the challenges faced, as are commonplace with any newly identified phenomenon. In addition, two models are offered as a basis for understanding how research can be undertaken, which has to balance two axes: Islamic studies and marketing; and Heterodoxy and orthodoxy.
Kantian moral psychology and criminal behavior
Authors: White Mark D. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeWhat leads a person to commit a crime, an act which not only violates moral norms and rules but also what are often considered to be among the most serious legal ones? A wide variety of social scientists, including psychologists, economists, and sociologists, have offered answers to this question. The current paper aims to take a different approach, offering an explanation drawn from the moral psychology of a pre‐eminent philosopher, Immanuel Kant.Design/methodology/approachWhile best known for his duty‐based ethics and the categorical imperative, Kant had a very rich conception of character, strength, and willpower that can inform the understanding of why persons choose to commit criminal acts. This short paper begins with a brief description of Kant's moral psychology, and then surveys a number of topics within the criminal law to which this can be applied, such as normative considerations in criminal penalties, Hart's distinction between internal and external points of view on the law,mens reaand mental illness, how people regard different criminal prohibitions, and how punishment does and should affect people's choice.FindingsThe paper emphasizes the effect of the normative status of criminal laws and penalties on the choice and action of morally imperfect persons, which contrasts with the overly simplistic models of criminal behavior of other social scientists, which are based on calculations of costs and benefits alone.Originality/valueThe paper introduces Kant's rich but little‐known moral psychology into the discussion of criminal psychology, bringing a different angle to topics such as motivation and responsibility that are primary areas of focus for psychologists, criminologists, and philosophers.
Mapping statistics to success on the PGA Tour
Authors: Sen Kabir C. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeAlthough the PGA Tour provides a wide array of statistics, no single measure has successfully been able to predict a player's success during the season, either in terms of earnings per tournament or weighted average scores. The purpose of this paper is to present a metric that attempts to predict annual player rankings based on these two criteria.Design/methodology/approachThe metric is computed from available statistics and attempts to encapsulate a player's unique strengths and weaknesses in a single number.FindingsDeviations in rankings based on the metric are compared to those based on earnings per event and adjusted scoring averages. The results suggest that in addition to the average annual performance on the greens, the mix of tournaments played and the incidence of heroics or consistency have an important impact on the chances of success on the Tour.Research limitations/implicationsThe metric's predictions can be negatively affected if a golfer makes a large proportion of double eagles or double bogies.Practical implicationsThe KCS (Key Criterion of Success) metric provides a quick route to succinctly summarizing a golfer's unique strengths and weaknesses in a single number.Originality/valuePrevious literature has mentioned the gap between statistics and success in golf. For the first time, possible reasons behind this divergence are identified in this paper.
Micro and macro level determinants of sport participation
Authors: Wicker Pamela , Hallmann Kirstin , Breuer Christoph 
Published: March 2012

PurposeSport participation is not exclusively determined by individual socio‐demographic factors (micro level) since infrastructure factors such as the availability of sport facilities and sport programmes (macro level) can also play a role in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for these determinants of sport participation using multi‐level analyses.Design/methodology/approachA survey among the resident population in the city of Munich was carried out in 2008 (n=11,715). Furthermore, secondary data on the available sport infrastructure in every urban district of Munich (n=25) were collected. Multi‐level analyses were conducted to find the micro and macro level determinants of sport participation.FindingsThe results show that aside from micro level factors, the availability of swimming pools and parks is especially important for residents’ sport activity. Moreover, sport activity in non‐profit sport clubs can be enhanced by both a good supply of sport programmes offered by sport clubs as well as a poor supply of programmes from commercial sport providers and the municipality.Research limitations/implicationsMulti‐level analyses can be recommended for future research on sport participation. The use of GIS data would be fruitful in this regard.Practical implicationsIt can be recommended that municipalities invest in the construction of swimming pools and parks.Originality/valueThe paper shows that multi‐level analyses are a relatively new method of analysis for research on sport participation and that they represent the most suitable approach for analysing multi‐level data.