bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finance is everything: advice from turnaround managers
Authors: Kierulff Herbert , Petersen Henry L. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThere are many reasons why companies drift – or plunge – into financial disaster. Factors such as market share loss, excess debt, management problems, technology changes or credit fluctuations can all play roles. In fact, the number of risks facing corporate officers is enormous today and simply keeping abreast of it all is a colossal task. As a result, not all managers and firms can cope, often resulting in a turnaround situation. The purpose of this paper is to highlight what sets successful turnarounds apart from failures and the most frequent underlying causes of the problems faced by companies in turnaround situations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper makes use of previous literature and work with clients to identify a relevant top ten list of management practices for keeping companies out of trouble.FindingsThe academic and professional literature on turnarounds leaves many unanswered questions with respect to what sets successful turnarounds apart from failures. This paper describes ten basic lessons the authors have learned in turning around companies that managements can use to keep their companies healthy.Originality/valueThis paper sets the stage for identifying fundamental, but often overlooked, management practices that lead to financial crisis. Given the disparity in the literature on turnaround success‐rates, the authors suggest that this paper contributes to this literature and also provides unique and timely advice for practitioners.
Chief Synergy Officer
Authors: Jackson Stuart E. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeChief strategy officers (CSOs) or other executives in similar roles have a range of responsibilities in the organization, often including communicating corporate strategy to key stakeholders, promoting decision making that sustains change and engendering commitment to strategic plans. This paper aims to suggest that the CSO often adds the most value to the organization by identifying and helping to capture synergies from different products and services the company can provide. In essence, playing the role of chief synergy officer.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper a number of case examples of businesses that have been able to unlock new sources of value by changing the scope of how the company meets customer needs are considered. Example businesses cited in the paper include automated vending services, travel agency, financial services and social networking. The paper then draws lessons that can be applied broadly across any business seeking to increase efficiency and value by changing the scope of services offered.FindingsExecutives with responsibility for strategy should not assume that the role of increasing the firm's efficiency is only the job of those with operating responsibilities. CSOs can support this objective through business synergies that come from changing the scope of what the company does. Often this can come from expansion into new activities where overlapping functions (sales, contracting, sourcing, research and development, etc.) can be shared, thereby spreading indirect costs across multiple products, customer groups, channels or parts of a vertically integrated firm. The paper also provides a number of lessons for achieving this successfully.Originality/valueBusiness managers that have responsibility for strategy should not think of themselves as only documenting and communicating strategic plans. Instead they should emphasize identifying ways to improve the efficiency and value of the firm by changing the scope of its activities, and capturing untapped synergies between functions and business lines
Obliterate knowledge management: everyone is a knowledge manager!
Authors: Kambil Ajit 
Published: November 2009

PurposeKnowledge assets are a critical basis of competition, but knowledge management (KM) often fails to deliver in effectively growing the value of these assets. This paper aims to lay out four shifts required to make knowledge management more effective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines four shifts likely in the evolution of KM: “Knowledge Clouds” where knowledge assets within and outside the company become permeable and interconnected in a cloud computing environment; the use of social media and ratings to co‐create user generated ratings, taxonomies and collective organization of knowledge; integrating KM with learning and decision support so users are better empowered to learn, decide and do useful things with knowledge; and everybody becomes a knowledge manager and is clear about how the can contribute to the creation, projection, organization and use of knowledge of assets within and outside the walls of the company.FindingsThe paper presents clear reasons KM is vital to the future of business, but probably best obliterated now.Originality/valueMuch of the discussion on KM is centered on the firm. This paper pushes forth provocatively to suggest that the future of KM is best served by obliterating centralized KM to create a more social process where everyone is a knowledge manager.
Think the thinkable
Authors: Marren Patrick 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of anticipation rather than prediction in business strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of an opinion column.FindingsThis column attempts to demonstrate that supplementing standard strategy with a right‐brain, inductive examination of the basic working assumptions of the organization is the best way to anticipate catastrophe.Originality/valueThe paper presents an historic perspective on catastrophe and change that may be unavailable elsewhere.
Is a “star” worth a thousand words?
Authors: Tsang Alex S.L. , Prendergast Gerard 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how the interplay of valences (positive or negative) between review texts and ratings affects consumers' reactions to the reviews and the product being assessed.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental design with hypothetical movie reviews was used to investigate how inconsistent text‐rating reviews affect people's intention to consume a particular product and their perceptions of the review itself.FindingsIt was found that text valences (positive or negative) significantly influence how subjects perceive the interestingness and trustworthiness of reviews. The texts also have an influence on the subjects' movie‐attendance intention compatible with their valence. In addition, a cross‐over interaction was found between texts and ratings that affects a review's trustworthiness.Research limitations/implicationsThe study enriches understanding of consumer decision making when different formats of information about the same object are presented.Practical implicationsMarketers can benefit by incorporating review texts and rating valences to enhance the prediction accuracy of their products' sales performances. Review publishers can get a better understanding of how to present their reviews to enhance their perceived interestingness and trustworthiness.Originality/valueProduct reviews are commonly found in the mass media. These reviews use ratings as evaluative summaries of the texts. However, little research has been conducted regarding the communication effects that the ratings have in relation to the texts. The study seeks to fill this gap.
Can marketing practice keep up with Europe's ageing population?
Authors: Thompson Nicholas J. , Thompson Keith E. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw the attention of managers and academics to the extent of demographic changes now occurring in the European Union, specifically the ongoing change from a young consumer base to one in which most adult consumers are aged over 50. It seeks to explain the nature of the challenge and highlight the need for further research.Design/methodology/approachBoth academic and practitioner sources are synthesised in order to identify and describe the issues, and explore the actions that could be taken to adapt to and profit from the changing demographic environment.FindingsCurrent marketing practice evolved against the background of the post‐war baby boom, a demographic aberration which resulted in an exceptional era during which consumer markets were dominated by youth, and marketing practice by advertising and other promotional activity. The paper also argues that the subsequent ageing of the consumer base will require businesses to place more emphasis on the customer‐centric model of marketing generally espoused by management scientists.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies a major shift in the demographic base of consumer markets, outlines the implications for marketing practice and proposes ways in which businesses can adapt.Originality/valueThe overwhelming majority of discussion on, and research into, the phenomenon of population ageing and its impact on markets originates from the USA, despite the fact that Europe faces a far greater challenge. The paper alerts both academics and practitioners to the nature and scale of the demographic change occurring in the European Union, discusses appropriate corporate responses and calls for further research into the neglected area of older consumers.
Differentiation and silver medal winner effects
Authors: Caruana Albert , Pitt Leyland F. , Berthon Pierre , Page Michael 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to consider business schools and to elicit whether, in seeking differentiation, rankings are more desirable than brand personality and whether silver medal winner effects exist in the perceptions of brand personalities.Design/methodology/approachLiterature on reputation, identity, differentiation, brand personality and its measurement is reviewed. In seeking to determine the role of rankings and the presence of silver medal effects two survey data collections among business schools are conducted using the identified brand personality instrument.FindingsResults highlight the importance of a distinctive differentiation positioning and show that reputation reflected in published rankings are able to provide counterfactuals that can influence consumer emotions and help establish preferences. Silver medal effects are found to play an important role.Originality/valueThese results emphasise the point that it is simply not enough to be ranked highly. What seems to be more critical is to be perceived as different. It appears that brand personality rather than reputation in terms of ranking is more strongly related to customers' expressed preferences. The results also illustrate the need to understand and deal with the challenge faced by marketing managers when silver medal effects are present.
Female role stereotypes in print advertising
Authors: Plakoyiannaki Emmanuella , Zotos Yorgos 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is three‐fold: to provide recent evidence in the UK on the frequency of appearance of female role portrayals in print advertisements; to compare female role stereotypes across magazine types; and to explore the interface between female role stereotypes and product categories.Design/methodology/approachAn integrative approach to content analysis was used in order to analyze advertising communication in print media. The sample consisted of n=3,830 advertisements published in ten high circulation UK magazines.FindingsThe study indicates that women in UK magazine advertisements are mainly portrayed in decorative roles; and that female role stereotypes vary significantly across magazine types. The findings also suggest that there is an association between product categories and female role stereotypes.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the need for the advertising industry in the UK to adjust its communication practices to the changing role of women in society.Originality/valueThe study extends research in the area of female role stereotypes in print advertising by considering the frequency of female role portrayals across different magazine types; and investigating the association between product categories and female role stereotypes.
High quality and low cost: the lean service centre
Authors: Piercy Niall , Rich Nick 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThere are two objectives of this paper: first, to examine the application of lean production improvement techniques to the pure‐service context; and, second, to evaluate the contribution of lean production techniques to services marketing improvement.Design/methodology/approachThree case companies from the UK financial services sector are tracked through the process of lean improvement. Analysis of management change of a common process within each company forms the basis of the investigation.FindingsResearch findings highlight that, through the adoption of lean service tools, service call centres can serve the traditionally competing priorities both of operational cost reduction and of increased customer service quality. The lean approach is validated in the service context and proposed as a valuable addition to traditional service marketing approaches to services improvement.Practical implicationsThe techniques described are easily replicable by academics, practitioners and managers and can be applied to a wide range of service centres or service businesses. In the contemporary marketplace, the difficulty of delivering quality service at any costs suggests that there is a great opportunity for the business that can deliver better service at a reduced cost of operation.Originality/valueLean transformation in the manufacturing sector is well established. However, the use of lean improvement tools to improve the quality of service delivery within the service sector is relatively new, with limited understanding of approaches and benefits in the academic or managerial arenas. In addition, coverage of lean tools is still rare in the marketing literature.
Cross‐national segmentation
Authors: Bruning Edward R. , Hu Michael Y. , Hao Wei (Andrew) 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to propose an approach to international market segmentation that identifies meaningful cross‐national consumer segments, which focuses on airline passengers in the NAFTA market.Design/methodology/approachA conjoint analysis is used to evaluate consumers' preferences for six flight attributes: price, in‐flight service, number of stops before destination, on‐time performance, frequent flyer programme, and country of airline. A cluster analysis based on the relative importance scores of each of the six flights attributes then identifies five segments that prioritize similar product attributes within each country.FindingsA representative sample of 4,787 airline passengers from the three countries reveal that price is the most important attribute for consumers from the USA and Canada, while on‐time performance is the most important attribute for Mexican consumers. A cluster analysis identifies five segments that prioritize similar product attributes within each country. It is also found that there are five cross‐national consumer segments in the NAFTA market that are homogeneous in terms of consumer preferences but heterogeneous in terms of relative group size and demographic variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a purposive sample, which limits the ability to generalize to the whole population with any known degree of precision.Practical implicationsThe research produces practical operational information on each segment that is translatable into strategy, specifically in terms of positioning, promotion, and targeting of the airline service.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light on the nature of cross‐national segmentation in the NAFTA air passengers market and the resulting cross‐national segmentation will be highly relevant for international marketing management.
Competence across Europe: highest common factor or lowest common denominator?
Authors: Winterton Jonathan 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore diversity in competence models across Europe and consider the extent to which there is sufficient common ground for a common European approach to underpin the European Qualifications Framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a literature review and interviews with policy makers.FindingsDespite the central role of competence in policy initiatives, conceptual approaches to competence vary not only between but also within different member states. This diversity embodies not only language issues but also fundamental cultural differences in approaches to skill formation. Whether the models have sufficient common ground to permit a “best‐fit” European‐wide approach is open to question, although this is clearly an essential prerequisite for removing barriers to labour mobility. Despite initiatives like the European Qualifications Framework there is still no consensus for adopting a common competence model and policy discussions continue to reveal confusion.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus on policy discussions at the European level may be a limitation, and readers should see this as the introductory scene setting to more detailed discussions in the following papers of important developments within member states. Beyond this, much is happening at the level of sectors and occupations that is the focus for practical implementation.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the urgent need to develop a coherent conceptual underpinning for competence descriptors in qualifications frameworks that will work as a best‐fit approach across Europe. Without this, occupational and inter‐sector mobility will be hindered.Originality/valueThe paper offers the most comprehensive assessment of European approaches to competence to date.
Compétence: conceptual approach and practice in France
Authors: Le Deist Françoise 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the conceptual approaches to competence and practice in competence management in France.Design/methodology/approachExtensive literature review, discussion with academic experts in the French competence network of AGRH and interviews concerning developments following the 2003 national agreement with officials of the major trade unions and employers' associations.FindingsThe conceptual approach to competence is formally comprehensive and incorporates key dimensions of the other dominant competence models. Extensive academic debate on competence does not appear to be mirrored in practice within establishments. Nevertheless, competence management has been given a major stimulus by recent legislation designed to promote lifelong learning and competence is at the centre of the reform of the training and qualifications systems.Research limitations/implicationsIt is still too early to assess the extent of adoption of competence management overall in the economy but there is increasing evidence that the techniques are becoming diffused throughout the economy from leading edge cases, often larger enterprises, to smaller firms and establishments.Practical implicationsThis paper provides valuable information for practitioners engaging with organisations in France.Originality/valueThis paper gives a summary of the state of the art of competence management in France.
Organising workplace learning: an inter‐organisational perspective
Authors: Svensson Lennart , Randle Hanne , Bennich Maria 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that both the supply‐based model and the demand‐based form of vocational education and training (VET) have their limitations and propose a “third way” in which reflective learning in the workplace is a central ingredient.Design/methodology/approachThe data was collected from several studies of VET programmes in Sweden based on individual and group interviews, a survey and continuous participation in developmental work. The paper uses an interactive research approach in the research design.FindingsThe paper proposes a “third way” that tries to overcome the deficiencies of both the supply‐ and demand‐based strategies for VET by developing a more equal balance in the relationship between the education and workplace systems. Collaboration and partnership between education providers and progressive workplaces are core elements.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper tries to connect activities and changes at the organisational, inter‐organisational and institutional levels of the VET system. It is argued that changes at different levels are strongly interconnected and necessary to an understanding of the prerequisites for workplace learning. These vertical relationships form the main focus of future research.Practical implicationsIt is argued that changes in the VET system should be initiated using a “bottom up” approach, start at the local level, and include change at all levels. The “bottom up” approach should include a combined employer, employee and service‐user perspective. It requires that learning issues are solved in a partnership that represents both the supply side of education and the demand side of working life.Originality/valueInter‐organisational relations need to be based on equal, mutual and trustful relationships between the education and workplace systems in order to support a sustainable change process.
Competence and competency in the EQF and in European VET systems
Authors: Brockmann Michaela , Clarke Linda , Winch Christopher 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThough the notion of competence is common terminology in European VET policy at national and supra‐national level, understandings vary widely, both across countries and within. The particular conceptions of competence adopted in the EQF are themselves problematic and the framework allows for a variety of interpretations. The purpose of this paper is to clarify those applied in the EQF and the vocational education and qualifications systems of particular European countries and to contribute to the development of a transnational understanding of the term, one which is compatible with a rapidly changing labour market.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on evidence from work funded by the Nuffield Foundation entitled “Cross‐national Equivalence of Vocational Skills and Qualifications”, the paper explores the various conceptions of competence in the EQF and the national systems – in particular in the sectors of construction, ICT and health – of England, Germany, France and The Netherlands.FindingsInterpretations are located on a continuum from the comprehensive occupational model traditionally found in many European countries to the task‐focused model of the English NVQ system.Research limitations/implicationsMuch developmental work involving all stakeholders is necessary to arrive at a commonly agreed conception. A broad understanding of competence would relate to the potential of labour, itself determined through the occupational capacity embodied in the qualification.Practical implicationsZones of Mutual Trust need to be based on transnational categories of VET.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in seeking to go beyond identifying differences by developing transnational categories and suggesting the nature of Zones of Mutual Trust for implementing the EQF.