bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing relationships, networks, and complexity in innovation, diffusion, and adoption processes
Authors: Woodside Arch G. , Biemans Wim 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSeeks to introduce a JBIM special issue of articles that moves the innovation‐diffusion‐adoption (IDA) literature beyond identifying key success factors to thick descriptions of the dynamics of human interactions and the enactment of decisions‐events‐outcomes using multiple rounds of informant‐researcher interpretations.Design/methodology/approachAdopts the view that informants' views as to what is happening, why it is happening, and the consequences of what is happening often go through a series of revisions depending on when the informant data are collected.FindingsIndividuals successful in guiding IDA processes exhibit great adaptability in going around and through road‐blocks that they encounter over the months and years from innovation to market success. Informants in second and third interviews provide critical information on process nuances that go unreported in single‐meeting interviews.Research limitations/implicationsSpecific case studies are absent of how executives might use such process data to revise their sense‐making and improve decisions based on insights that become available only through such explicit retrospection. The implication is that this special issue is a stepping‐stone from cross‐sectional survey research to system dynamics research with hands‐on participation by executives.Practical implicationsNow one should get real, describe, understand, and play inside IDA processes in real‐time with executives and researchers working together via multiple meetings using system dynamics research tools.Originality/valueFor IDA research this special issue calls for embracing a revolution ending the dominance of closed‐end self‐completed survey data to using multiple‐rounds of face‐to‐face interviews and direct observations with informant revisions of findings.
Opening up decision making: making sense of entrepreneur and reseller business‐to‐business strategies
Authors: Woodside Arch G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to map business‐to‐business strategic actions to illustrate how manufacturers and resellers of new fast moving consumer goods interact when responding to environmental feedback to their decisions and to assess the effectiveness of alternative implemented decisions in assisting organizational growth.Design/methodology/approachThis report presents a detailed example of causal mapping analysis for a manufacturing entrepreneurial case study; the example covers processes linking events, decisions, and activities in business start‐up, growth, and failure of the enterprise.FindingsFor the case study illustrating the mapping approach, between the start‐up to the demise stages a shift does occur in the number of decision areas judged very good to very bad; for example, product design decisions shift from very good to remarkably good to very bad among the three stages. Pricing strategy was judged very bad consistently across the three stages.Research limitations/implicationsFor research on entrepreneur behavior, additional work on inter‐coder reliability is needed to confirm the consistency of both creating concepts and coding linkages in such maps. Detailed causal maps are needed in large samples of entrepreneur case studies to test the propositions. The application presented here is exploratory only. Causal mapping analysis represents a tool useful in case study research and theory construction from such case study data and such analysis deserves wider use among researchers desiring to open up research in decision making.Originality/valueWhat really is happening and why? To help in answering, mapping thought‐decisions‐outcome dynamics over several stages of new product innovation and diffusion occurring among manufacturers and resellers provides an explicit sensemaking approach for executives.
Modeling innovation, manufacturing, diffusion and adoption/rejection processes
Authors: Woodside Arch G. , Biemans Wim G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSeeks to advocate adopting the comparative case study method and system dynamics modeling to inform theory and to prescribe executive actions for successfully managing new products built using radically new technologies.Design/methodology/approachReviews NPD theory and research on the dynamic processes including feedback loops and the hidden demons (hard to identify weak linkages that have large downstream impacts) in radically new innovation, manufacturing, diffusion and adoption/rejection processes; examines the IMDAR process model (innovation‐manufacturing‐diffusion‐adoption/rejection) of new products.FindingsSeveral alternative routes of tacit and explicit interorganizational behaviors and decisions lead to NPD successes and failures; while executives believe surveys identifying specific factors are important particularly for NPD success, none of these factors is necessary or sufficient by itself for explaining success – specific cases of NPD success occur in the absence of any one of the identified success factors – embracing a system dynamics rather than a main effects view of NPD success and failure provides solid grounding for useful theory and practice in NPD.Research limitations/implicationsDoes not provide an empirical comparison between cross‐sectional data‐based modelling versus system dynamics analysis. Business and industrial marketing research that embraces complexity and examines decision and actions over multiple time periods is still in its infancy.Practical implicationsMost successful companies suffer from their success: they fail to remain watchful, mindful, and active with regard to new technological developments that seemingly have minor relationships to their industries.Originality/valueThis paper offers a theory‐of‐the‐firm system dynamics approach to inform new product executives to think beyond check‐lists and embrace multiple‐path thinking.
A research agenda for investigation of product innovation in the financial services sector
Authors: Akamavi Raphaël K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeHolistically reviews the literature, examines critically and summarises systematically the major pioneering works of contributors in this field. Its primary objective is to formulate a research agenda in the area of new service development (NSD) in the financial services sector.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive in‐depth content analysis: theoretical discussion and conceptual frameworks of product innovation are carried out. This paper explores and evaluates extant frameworks of the tangible NPD process, which form the basis for NPD for the services literature. NSD has been central to the literature on services marketing, and a competitive weapon for firms, the important propensity has been related to the investigation of NSD issues.FindingsThis study identifies significant deficiencies and gaps (e.g. stakeholders involvement: roles of customers and supportive activities units) in the literature, with specific regard to new financial product development relating to the financial services sector.Research limitations/implicationsThis emerging approach to NPD suggests a new perspective on how to achieve NPD success in the financial services sector.Practical implicationsManagers and executives should strategically rethink the stakeholders’ roles, and the design and management of a NSD process. They should be aware of beneficial gains, which can be obtained from the process of stakeholder integration and involvement in NSD activities.Originality/valueProvides a critical overview and analysis of theoretical perspectives on financial NSD /NPD with an annotated bibliographical reference covering the period between 1957 and 2005, which can help the advance of NSD research in the financial services sector. It also adds to the growing literature on the financial service innovation process.
The importance of brand cues in intangible service industries: an application to investment services
Authors: Brady Michael K. , Bourdeau Brian L. , Heskel Julia 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe puprose of this study is to empirically test the suggestion that branding is more important for services than for physical goods and that there is a direct relationship between the level of intangibility and the importance of branding.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory study is employed using a scenario‐based repeated measures ANOVA design, wherein the degree of product intangibility is varied from high (mutual funds) to medium (hotels) to low (computers) through a survey distributed to 101 respondents.FindingsThe results support the position that intrinsic brand cues are more important for highly intangible service purchases (mutual funds) than for purchases that are more tangible (hotels and computers). The results also reveal that extrinsic brand cues are less important in purchase decisions of highly intangible services.Research limitations/implicationsThis study answers a call for additional empirical research into the dynamics of services branding and its effects on consumer decision making.Practical implicationsThis study provides managers with information about how to prioritize brand‐building activities.Originality/valueThis study fills an important gap in the services marketing literature by offering a rare empirical study on services branding. Furthermore, this study makes an important extension to the research of Krishnan and Hartline in their article, “Brand equity: is it more important in services?”by testing the effects of specific brand cues on consumer's purchase decisions. The findings are more in line with prior conceptual research on the importance of services branding than the results presented by Krishnan and Hartline.
Satisfaction emotions and consumer behavioral intentions
Authors: White Christopher , Yu Yi‐Ting 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop and refine the theoretical framework underpinning consumer satisfaction emotions and re‐examine the emotions/behavioral intentions link.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was adopted for this study. An extensive and critical review of literature related to consumer satisfaction emotions and consumer behavioral intentions led to the identification of two research questions. A self‐completion questionnaire was developed and administered to hospitality management graduates in Switzerland.FindingsThe PCA suggested that satisfaction emotions were best conceptualized as a three‐dimensional construct that included positive, negative and what the present authors have labeled “bi‐directional” emotions. Moreover, a positive statistically significant relationship between “bi‐directional” emotions and consumer complaining behavior was established through correlation analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe respondents were studying at a private institution in Switzerland, and as such, the socio‐economic background of the respondents may not be representative of education consumers generally, and of consumers of services in industries other than education.Practical implicationsThe findings reported in this paper indicate that the emotions framework that was developed could provide a valuable resource for managers as segmentation tool, and as an instrument for measuring and monitoring consumer behavioral intentions.Originality/valueThis paper has identified a relationship between specific satisfaction emotions and consumer complaining behavior. As a consequence, a more comprehensive satisfaction emotions scale has been developed that captures a broader range of consumer behavioral intentions. This information should benefit practitioners and researchers alike.
Measuring service quality in b2b services: an evaluation of the SERVQUAL scalevis‐à‐visthe INDSERV scale
Authors: Gounaris Spiros 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to validate an empirically derived measure for assessing perceived service quality in the business‐to‐business (b2b) context. In doing so, the SERVQUAL scale is evaluated against the alternative measure.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was mailed to 1,285 companies from different industries. Respondents were identified by approaching companies from four service industries, namely consultants offering middle and senior management training and recruitment services, banks offering corporate banking, software development and maintenance houses and freight shipping providers in Athens, Greece.FindingsSERVQUAL appears to suffer from significant methodological problems when applied to b2b services. This comes hardly as a surprise since the instrument has been developed using consumer markets as a frame of reference.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, the major implication is that the developed instrument allows them to make the most out of their efforts to monitor the perceived quality of their services since it is more relevant to the b2b context and it has greater predictive power than SERVQUAL.Originality/valueThe findings of this study may stimulate future research towards various directions. For instance, INDSERV must be examined in other national contexts before being widely adopted, can be used for assessing the impact of increased levels of perceived service quality on various performance indicators or it can be directed towards tackling some of the limitations of this study such as testing the instrument in different types of services, along the lines that various classification schemes have identified.
A multiple‐item scale for measuring customer loyalty development
Authors: McMullan Rosalind 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the complex inter‐relationships between the attitudinal and behavioural dimensions of customer loyalty development, by examining the dynamic processes by which customer loyalty is initiated and sustained using a mixed methods approach. In doing so, the paper highlights the absence of valid and reliable measures of customer loyalty development and discusses the use of the multi‐phase model of customer loyalty development.Design/methodology/approachThis model is the basis for the construction of a multi‐item scale to measure customer loyalty development. A mixed methods design is specified and stages in the construction of the scale are discussed including measures of validity and reliability.FindingsThe findings of the research demonstrate the validity and reliability of the loyalty scale and highlight the sustaining and mediating effects associated with different levels of loyalty development.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is set within the passenger ferry sector. Future research will seek to make empirical generalisations in relation to the application of the loyalty scale.Practical implicationsThe main implications of this research are to emphasise the importance of sustaining and developing customer loyalty based on a differentiated approach to rewarding customers who have different levels of loyalty development. The findings highlighted the need to acknowledge the importance of reciprocity in terms of which aspects of service customers value within different levels of loyalty.Originality/valueThe main contributions of this paper are the presentation of the loyalty scale and the confirmation of the plateau of customer loyalty development.
Building a customer base in the electronic marketplace: an empirical exploration of the e‐tailing industry
Authors: Jiang Pingjun , Talaga James 
Published: January 2007

PurposeBuilding a customer base as an outcome of customer satisfaction has not been investigated empirically in e‐tailing industry. This paper seeks to fill this gap in the literature.Design/methodology/approachExplores the relationship between satisfying customers and building a customer base using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Data from the e‐retailing industry related to the input variables (e.g. customers' ratings on a set of e‐store attributes) and output variables (e.g. a proxy measure of “customer base”) are analyzed.FindingsPerformance scores for developing a customer base vary across product categories. Performance score is a good parameter for predicting future change on a unique number of visitors and on the competition pattern for a particular e‐tailer.Research limitations/implicationsFurther study can examine other drivers of a developing customer base (e.g. advertising, trust building, and strategic alliance) – thereby producing more robust evidence for customer base development in e‐tailing industry.Practical implicationsGood practices in the generation of customers and page view have been identified. Knowing the efficiency patterns of an e‐tailer makes it possible to guide managerial action by providing a measure of the extent to which different management actions at the e‐tailer can lead to higher future customer growth. Managers should realize that customers match realizations and expectations of product/service performance.Originality/valueThis study has identified satisfaction as the important driver of developing a customer base. It focuses on improving diagnosis of the performance of e‐tailers by assessing reach efficiency and page view efficiency separately.
Harris County Public Library: creating a design paradigm for twenty‐first century libraries
Authors: Park Catherine S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo highlight the new service model used by Harris County Public Library and point out what has been successful.Design/methodology/approachUsing a libraries new service model, key points are brought out to identify what has been changed, and why these changes are important.FindingsBy changing its service model and design approach, Harris County Public Library has been able to maintain staffing levels and use space more efficiently as library use has increased.Originality/valueUses examples that can benefit other libraries on using space and staffing efficiently.
Passport services: a business plan for Alameda County Library
Authors: Telford‐Ishida Barbara 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a business plan for libraries to offer profitable passport services to patrons.Design/methodology/approachGives an overview of demographic, financial, and management profiles of California libraries that offer passport services. Presents a plan for introducing passport service in two California libraries.FindingsCurrent political and demographic environments for the two libraries make the introduction of passport services a potentially lucrative opportunity.Research limitations/implicationsLittle to no correlation was found between patron demographics of libraries currently offering passport services and the amount of revenue the services produce.Practical implicationsPassport services may provide libraries a simple but effective way to supplement their budgets.Originality/valueSuggests an innovative way for libraries to increase relevance to patrons through services as well as create a stable funding source.
Sustaining the work of “Learning in libraries”
Authors: Degyansky Kathy 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA model collaborative approach among three distinct library systems with common goals and missions but unique delivery systems. The primary goal was to improve the out of school environment in libraries and develop best practices in supporting youth during these hours. This paper deals with these issuesDesign/methodology/approachWith support from the Urban Libraries Council, the project maintained an outcome‐based approach with measurable goals, indicators, and outcomes.FindingsSubstantive progress was made in producing tangible products. Sustaining the work becomes the main focus as the funding runs out.Originality/valueSuggests options for collaborative project management among several large library systems.
Chomps and yomps; chads and spads; which dictionary?
Authors: Duckett Bob 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to investigates the difficult area of which dictionary to choose for a set purpose.Design/methodology/approach –This is a viewpoint paper drawn from the author's own experience.Findings – It is important to know one's dictionaries. Clarity of purpose in selection, clarity of arrangement on the shelves, and clarity of intent in the volumes are all factors that influence one's choice of dictionary.Originality/value – Given the above, correct choice of dictionary and clarity of thought on the part of the user could lead to a more clear‐sighted and creative society.Paper type – Viewpoint
Researching the trade in knowledge between the West and developing countries
Authors: Shaw K.E. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to research the trade in knowledge as a commodity between advanced nations and less developed ones.Design/methodology/approachInvestigates knowledge transfer between nations and examines cultural factors and their effect on this exchange.FindingsFinds that successful adoption of traded material calls for careful evaluation, investment in research, monitoring and the scrutiny of experience. Some movement is likely to be needed in deeper underlying assumptions about learning and teaching in the receiving countries. Beyond this, there will be a need for modifications in the system and institutions of education especially at higher levels. The indigenisation of overseas material thus requires some awareness of economic, political, social and cultural conditions, locally as well as in the providing countries. There is thus ample scope for higher degree research, which need not be highly expensive. It would, however, require thorough theoretical awareness and methodological sophistication.Originality/valueProvides useful insight into the problems of trade in knowledge between developed and developing nations.
Assessing achievement of primary grader students and factors affecting achievement in Pakistan
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Bashir Gondal Muhammad , Bushra  
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on achievement level of primary grade students in different subjects taught at primary level and the factors affecting the student achievement in this regard.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out on a sample of 1,080 students of grade 3 and 5 drawn from randomly selected 36 primary/ elementary schools from nine districts of the Punjab province. The instruments were: the achievement tests in three subjects mathematics, Urdu (national language) and life skills (Islamyat, social studies and science); and questionnaires for teachers and students to know various possible factors affecting achievement.FindingsResults show that the achievement was the lowest in the subject of Urdu (mean 15.2) and the highest in life skills (mean 29.9) in grade 3. While in grade 5, it was the lowest in mathematics (mean 10.8) and the highest in life skills (31.63). Overall the performance of the female students was relatively better than their male partners. Location‐wise, the rural students performed better than the urban students. District‐wise, the performance of students of Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts was relatively better than the students of district Kasur and Bahawalpur. Among the factors affecting students achievement were parental education, their occupation and guidance, teacher guidance, social status, transport facility, self study, book reading and home work – all have a positive or negative correlation with students’ achievement.Originality/valueThis paper is of use to those wishing to understand the achievement levels of students at primary grade in developing countries.