bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of on‐line consumer behavior models: a comparative study of industries in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Wen‐Bao 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a model for factors that affect on‐line consumer behavior intentions and post‐purchasing behavior by: integrating the decomposed theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model, and relationship quality; identifying the difference of industries in their effect on consumer behavior; and inferring management implications from implementing empirical data analysis based on the structural equation model.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates samples of banking and travel agents' customers in Taiwan, selected from four metropolitan areas, using stratified random sampling and LISREL hypotheses testing.FindingsThe paper finds differences in the management of banking and tourism industries, regarding professional “brand image”; the affect of “subjective norm”; “perceived risk” and “gap of perceived service quality.” “Product involvement” has no significant influence on “actual behavior”. Intervening variables such as product attribute, personal character of consumers exist in the relationship of product involvement and actual behavior.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper combines different theories and discusses many variables, so the verification and explanation of this study model may not be complete enough. It is suggested that researchers may aim at a single theory and discuss fewer variables to give a more comprehensive and deepened argumentation.Practical implicationsThis paper gives very useful, practical marketing suggestions for person‐based services.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in its presentation of a model for factors that affect on‐line consumer behavior intentions and post‐purchasing behavior.
Application of Taguchi design to retail service
Authors: Raajpoot Nusser , Javed Rubina , Koh Khoon 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of robust design in retail service literature.Design/methodology/approachUsing a Taguchi design comprising of inner L8 (27) and outer 22 arrays, a discrete choice task was designed for 233 students respond to. Signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio was used to test design robustness.FindingsNegative effects of uncontrollable design factors on service choice were minimized through the use of inner and outer Taguchi arrays. The single composite measure of consumer choice called S/N ratio accounted both for mean and variance of choice probabilities.Research limitations/implicationsUse of student sample was a major limitation. Also, the interaction between design factors was not tested as it required the use of more complicated designs.Practical implicationsThis method can be used to improve design robustness by minimizing the impact of uncontrollable noise factors. Use of S/N ratio can help to select the design that simultaneously maximized the choice probabilities and minimized performance variation.Originality/valueThe paper makes important methodological and operational contributions to the retail service design literature. First, the concept of controllable and uncontrollable factors in choice‐based designs is introduced. Second, the use of S/N ratio as a single, composite measure of design robustness was incorporated. Operationally, this study highlights the impact of less‐studied concepts of wayfinding and customer incompatibility on satisfaction of retail customers.
Brands portfolios and competitive advantage: an empirical study
Authors: Chailan Claude 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of brand portfolio management by examining the brand portfolio strategies of four leading cosmetics companies. The research focuses on two questions: what reasons lead companies to develop, or not, a brand portfolio strategy, and how brand portfolio management can create a higher and stronger level of competitive advantage that is harder to grasp and imitate.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises an exploratory approach by means of case studies. Data were collected from the following companies: L'Oréal, Clarins, Estée Lauder and Wella. The research involved in‐depth interviews with 33 company directors.FindingsThe research results show that an aggregation of brands is not in and of itself a brand portfolio. The juxtaposition of brands is one of the elements, but not the sole element, necessary for the development of a brand portfolio, which is a combination of a brand ensemble and key factors born out of organisational savoir‐faire.Research limitations/implicationsThe results validate the existence of a link between brand portfolios and competitive advantage, a link based on the existence of four key factors identified in the research.Practical implicationsA model is proposed to assist managers in better understanding and controlling brand regrouping, because the research illustrates the benefits for a company that executes well‐coordinated brand management.Originality/valueThis research fits into the complex context of strategic/marketing relationships and broadens the field of brand analysis, notably its strategic dimension. The contribution of this research is to show how a brand portfolio can create a stronger and higher level of competitive advantage, which is more difficult to copy.
Mode matters: an exemplar‐prototype hybrid (EPH) model of reference price formation
Authors: DelVecchio Devon , Craig Adam W. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis research aims to integrate two theories of reference price formation and to test the resulting exemplar‐prototype hybrid (EPH) model's predictions. Study 1 tests the predictions of the EPH model regarding price attractiveness ratings. Study 2 helps to document the process by which the EPH model operates.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation consists of a pair of laboratory experiments that manipulate the skew (positive, negative) of historic price data, and the frequency of the modal price (high, low) in the price history.FindingsBoth the skew of prices to which consumers are exposed and the frequency with which the modal price occurs affect recall of the modal price and evaluations of the attractiveness of subsequent prices.Research limitations/implicationsConsumers rely on information about both the price range and individual price points to form reference prices. Common models of reference price effects may be improved by including a non‐linear estimate of the effect of modal price frequency.Practical implicationsManagers are advised to offer a consistent regular price from which occasional discounts of varying value are offered to create a strong memory trace in consumers' minds for the higher “regular” price and avoid such a trace for any one discounted price.Originality/valuePrior studies detail aspects of the relationship between reference prices and the attractiveness of market prices. This is the first attempt to integrate, rather than contrast, the two predominant types of theories (range‐based, price‐point based) of reference price formation.
Timing the stock market with a joint examination of the presidential election cycle and the yield curve
Authors: Nguyen Alexandre , Roberge Mathieu 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the pertinence of combining the positioning along the US presidential election cycle and the inversions of the yield curve as a guide for a market timing strategy on the S&P 500. These variables provide warning signals for either an abnormally high probability of tighter future economic conditions or an abnormally high probability of more accommodative future economic conditions, not both. As such, they represent natural complement.Design/methodology/approachThe combination of the two variables leads to four scenarios: inverted yield curve or not and first half or second half of the presidential cycle. Two timing strategies are proposed to act on these scenarios: the “type T” strategy for Traditional investors not allowed to sell short and focusing on active risk focus and the “type H” strategy for Hedge Fund‐like investors focusing on absolute risk.FindingsCompared to a buy‐and‐hold investment in the S&P 500, the “type H” version increases the return per unit of risk from 0.81 to 1.10 and the “type T” delivers an annualized information ratio of 0.62. Robustness tests show that the strategy adds value under both specifications in the majority of 1‐, 3‐ and 10‐year sub‐periods. Application of the Henriksson‐Merton test confirms that the two strategies have a genuine market timing ability.Originality/valueWhile the predictive variables have been investigated on a standalone basis, the idea of combining these two predictors is new. The idea of examining market timing from the perspective of both traditional investor and hedge fund like investor is also original.
Challenging the advantages of scale: disposable factories and strategies
Authors: Stalk George 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the views of noted consultant George Stalk, who turns economy of scale strategies upside down by suggesting disposable strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains when you can get the most strategic advantage from disposable factories. The model should be considered when, for example, you face extreme uncertainty owing to a highly dynamic, competitive market or the potential for disruptive innovation or the size of a new business opportunity is not clear.FindingsThe paper finds that disposable factories provide a low‐risk means of jumping in and out of fast‐moving markets. They can lower overall costs, save valuable time getting to market, and reduce capital risk of overestimating the demand.Practical implicationsA disposable factory is built as inexpensively as possible with the primary purpose of getting a new product into the market quickly. It is also designed to be easy to shut down if the market demand is not what you expect. The benefits are readily apparent: disposable factories provide a low‐risk means of jumping in and out of fast‐moving markets.Originality/valueThe disposable factory is not a new idea. In fact, disposable factories are already often used where the situation requires a facility than can be operating quickly at relatively low‐cost and then can be quickly disassembled. The point is that “disposability” is an underappreciated tactic. Disposable factories and disposable strategies are all about investing in options and seeing how opportunities evolve.
A conversation with George Stalk about “disposable strategies”
Authors: Randall Robert M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis interview aims to discuss how the disposable model can also be applied to many other aspects of business. In fast‐changing environments, any number of a business's elements may prove disposable, including organizational structures, management teams, distribution channels, and even strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of an interview with George Stalk, a Boston Consulting Group senior partner, about “disposable strategies”FindingsThe paper finds that when strategies are at risk of being quickly made obsolete by changing market conditions, businesses must find ways to replace them with ones that are disposable.Practical implicationsThe main implication for innovators is that disposable factories and disposable strategies relax constraints on trying new products and new strategies. If higher costs of temporary solutions buy time and flexibility, then business outcomes can be more manageable.Originality/valueThe author explains how companies can get the most strategic advantage from disposable factories and other disposable strategies. The model should be considered when, for example, a firm faces extreme uncertainty owing to a highly dynamic, competitive market or the potential for disruptive innovation.
Supporting generic skills development in accounting through the simulation of unstructured case studies using video
Authors: Faux Jeffrey 
Published: August 2008

PurposeApprehension often accompanies the use of unstructured cases from the perspective of teachers and students. To assist in allaying concerns an instructional video that assists learning was developed. However, the effectiveness of the video may be reduced by issues of quality and therefore the purpose of this study is to determine student perceptions of video quality.Design/methodology/approachThe relationship between the quality of the video and students engaging in the learning was established through a review of the literature. A survey of 114 students was undertaken to determine perceptions of the quality of the instructional video. A multiple‐item measure was used to establish a scale of quality.FindingsResults from this study show that the use of an instructional video to support learning was effective. A key finding of the survey is that students believed the quality to be effective for the imparting of both knowledge and teaching approach.Originality/valueThe study provides support for the use of videos as an effective delivery mode to improve student learning.
Experimental method of tooth contact analysis (TCA) with rapid prototyping (RP) use
Authors: Sobolak Mariusz , Budzik Grzegorz 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the instantaneous contact area in a gearbox using rapid prototyping.Design/methodology/approachThe determination of the contact area utilizes one of the RP techniques, i.e. stereolithography. Stereolithography enables the making of gears with complex profiles, which are difficult to obtain by means of other machining methods. A model of a bevel gearbox with Gleason spiral generated modify roll (Gleason SGM) gears with circular‐arc profiles of teeth is applied as an example for testing. A prototype of the gearbox was made using SLA 250 apparatus.FindingsCorrect mating of gears and their kinematical precision depend on the shape and size of the instantaneous contact area, as well as changes during the turning of gears. Contact between gear surfaces of a geometrically ideal gearbox occurs at a point or line, but, because of a deformability of mating flanks teeth, in reality it is always a certain surface. This paper presents research on the instantaneous contact area with area on the surface of a flank tooth, which is in contact with the mating surface of another tooth at a specific moment.Originality/valueThe described method in the paper enables a dynamic determination of the mating area gearbox. Existing experimental methods enable only a static observation of the mating area. A stand test was built and enables an exact meshing of mating gears. Gears were made of transparent material, SL‐5170, which enables observation of the instantaneous contact area.
Market orientation, learning orientation and organisational performance in international joint ventures
Authors: Farrell Mark Anthony , Oczkowski Edward , Kharabsheh Radwan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeDespite failure rates of around 30 per cent, international joint ventures (IJVs) continue to grow. It is argued that IJVs provide a platform for organisational learning, which facilitates organisational performance. Intuitively, IJVs that are learning oriented should have a positive impact upon organisational performance. However, it is unclear as to whether a firm in an IJV should focus more on being learning oriented, or market oriented. The paper aims to address this question.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 168 senior managers involved in IJVs in Malaysia. Data were analysed using two‐stage least squares estimators for latent variable models.FindingsResults suggest that for IJVs, a market orientation has a more positive impact on organisational performance than a learning orientation. The non‐linear relationship between market orientation and performance suggest that larger gains in performance are achieved by firms who have low initial levels of market orientation. Thus, in the absence of one or the other, it is preferable for a firm in an IJV to have a strong market orientation.Practical implicationsFor managers of IJVs, the study would suggest that firms should concentrate on improving their organisations' overall level of market orientation if they are to improve the level of business performance.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to examine the relative effects of a market orientation and a learning orientation in the context of IJVs.
Studies on temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of polymer thick film resistors
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Y. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the variation of the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of polymer thick film resistors, namely, PVC‐graphite thick film resistors, with parameters such as volume fraction, grain size, and high voltage.Design/methodology/approachA model is proposed to explain the observed variations, which assumes that the texture of the thick film resistors consists of insulator granules coated with conducting particles.FindingsThe paper finds that the TCR of these materials is controlled mainly by the contact resistance fluctuations between the conducting particles and the number of contacts each particle has with it neighbours. The variation of TCR with high voltage has also been explained with the help of this model and it is attributed to the changes in contact area and the number of contacts.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in showing that apparently the TCR of polymer thick film resistors can be controlled by the expansion properties of the insulating medium. The variation of TCR with high voltage is also due to change in number of contacts between the conducting particles. These types of material may find applications in thermal sensors or as temperature control elements.
Prediction of microwave permittivity of leafy vegetation using Ag thick film microstripline
Authors: Kamble P.D. , Puri Vijaya 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to predict permittivity of leafy vegetation using overlay technique.Design/methodology/approachThe paper studies X band moisture dependent microwave permittivity of the stem and leaf of Ficus Bengalensis using overlay on Ag thick film microstripline. The perturbation obtained in the transmission and reflectance of the thick film microstripline due to the leafy vegetation overlay has been used to obtain the permittivity.FindingsThe paper finds that the permittivities obtained are in the range expected of leafy vegetation with moisture. Only the amplitude data have been used here. As the moisture content decreases, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss decrease. The return loss characteristics show interesting frequency dependent behaviour due to both stem and leaf overlay.Originality/valueThe paper is original in that a non‐resonant microstrip component has been used for the first time for such studies. The thick film component along with overlay can be a cost‐effective dielectric sensor especially for biomaterials, since any size and shape of the overlay can be used.
Has regulation killed off the defined benefit scheme as a cost effective tool for human resource management?
Authors: Hudson Robert 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of regulation on both the cost of defined benefit pension (DB) schemes and their effectiveness for human resource management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper initially outlines the factors that have affected the costs of DB schemes. It then reviews relevant theory from the human resources area and details how ongoing regulation has impinged on the use of DB schemes in this area.FindingsMany years of heavy regulation have not only increased the costs of DB schemes but reduced their utility in the field of human resource management. In consequence, the business case for these schemes has been very much weakened.Practical implicationsThe undue regulation of scheme design needs to be reduced to allow organizations to evolve pension forms that provide an attractive balance between their cost and their appreciation by employees and hence their utility in the field of human resources management.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a framework for analyzing the business case for DB'schemes. This framework is very convenient for examining the overall effect of changes in regulation.
Factors affecting Mexican college students' purchase intention toward a US apparel brand
Authors: Lee Min‐Young , Kim Youn‐Kyung , Pelton Lou , Knight Dee , Forney Judith 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper on Mexican college students aims to examine the effects of general consumer variables (i.e. normative interpersonal influence and brand consciousness) and brand‐specific variables (i.e. perceived quality and emotional value) on purchase intention toward a US apparel brand.Design/methodology/approachThe study is designed to determine the factors influencing Mexican college students' purchase intention toward a US apparel brand. Purchase intention is explained with several variables: normative interpersonal influence, brand consciousness, perceived quality, and emotional value. A total of 256 college students in Mexico participated in the survey.FindingsUsing structural equation modeling (SEM), the study finds that Mexican college students' normative interpersonal influence positively affected brand consciousness. Brand consciousness is positively related to emotional value, but not to perceived quality of a US brand. Emotional value positively influences purchase intention toward a US brand, while perceived quality negatively influences purchase intention.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable strategic implications for US retailers who plan to enter the Mexican market. According to the findings of the study, US retailers could focus on the emotional aspects of US brands in order to appeal to Mexican college students, especially those who are brand conscious.Originality/valueGiven that the Mexican market provides growth opportunities for US apparel retailers, there has been a dearth of empirical research on Mexican college students' attitudes and perceptions toward US brands. In this regard, this paper is designed to determine the factors influencing Mexican college students' purchase of US apparel brands.
Intergenerational perceptions of market cues among US apparel consumers
Authors: Moore Marguerite , Carpenter Jason M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine differences in generational perceptions of market cues related to price, quality and shopping enjoyment in the apparel retailing context.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐section of US apparel consumers (n=342) constitutes the sample for the study. Analysis of variance and multiple comparisons are used to investigate differences in market cue perception among US generational cohorts.FindingsResults indicate significant differences in the cohorts in terms of their perception of quality related to country‐of‐origin, price consciousness, prestige sensitivity and shopping enjoyment.Research limitations/implicationsThe results should not be extrapolated to markets outside of the USA. Further, the sample characteristics should be considered for interpretation and application of the results for US markets.Practical implicationsThe findings related to the market cues provide both operational and strategic direction for apparel marketers and retailers in terms of country‐of‐origin quality, pricing policy and managerial efforts to control the shopping experience.Originality/valueThe research expands upon the general research into US generational cohorts and consumer behavior by incorporating the entire social cycle within a single study: millennials, the thirteenth generation, the baby boomers and the silent generation.