bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding structural and cultural impediments to ICT system integration
Authors: Anumba Claire E.H. , Dainty Andrew , Ison Stephen , Sergeant Amanda 
Published: January 2007

PurposeDespite a substantial investment in construction information and communications technology (ICT) in recent years, the structure, culture and ingrained working practices of the sector are such that the industry's organisations represent problematic arenas for their successful implementation. In order to better understand the factors affecting the integration of a new ICT within the industry, this paper seeks to examine the implementation of a geographic information system (GIS) aimed at facilitating an aspect of the labour market planning process within the construction sector. The paper explores the interplay of structural, social and technical factors which, when combined, can complicate the implementation of ICT systems.Design/methodology/approachIn the case study presented, the considerable potential of the system to facilitate the implementation of a labour market initiative was affected by a range of internal and external factors. An analysis of the implementation process and the socio‐technical systems that surround it shows how these factors combined to delimit the abilities of the system to meet the needs of the organisation.FindingsThe findings of this work have clear resonances for an industry renowned for its conservative culture and slow uptake of new technologies. They also underscore the importance of developing flexible implementation approaches which are able to cope with an organisation's external environment and changing requirements.Originality/valueThe lessons learned are used as the basis for a set of recommendations for enabling construction organisations to better prepare themselves for ICT implementation in the future through proactive planning and end‐user engagement.
Making sense of research quality assessment
Authors: Lansley Peter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeFor many academics in UK universities the nature and orientation of their research is overwhelmingly determined by considerations of how that work will be graded in research assessment exercises (RAEs). The grades awarded to work in a particular subject area can have a considerable impact on the individual and their university. There is a need to better understand those factors which may influence these grades. The paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers relationships between the grades awarded and the quantitative information provided to the assessment panels for the 1996 and 2001 RAEs for two subject areas, built environment and town and country planning, and for three other subject areas, civil engineering, geography and archaeology, in the 2001 RAE.FindingsA simple model demonstrating strong and consistent relationships is established. RAE performance relates to numbers of research active staff, the production of books and journal papers, numbers of research studentships and graduations, and research income. Important differences between subject areas are identified.Research limitations/implicationsImportant issues are raised about the extent to which the new assessment methodology to be adopted for the 2008 RAE will capture the essence of good quality research in architecture and built environment.Originality/valueThe findings provide a developmental perspective of RAEs and show how, despite a changed methodology, various research activities might be valued in the 2008 RAE. The basis for a methodology for reviewing the credibility of the judgements of panels is proposed.
“Negative interference” between Australian construction professionals' work and family roles
Authors: Lingard Helen , Francis Valerie 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper sets out to describe the testing of a model of work and family life among a sample of professional and managerial employees in the Australian construction industry. The model positioned work‐family conflict as a variable linking experiences in one domain (i.e. work or family) with outcomes in the other domain.Design/methodology/approachA survey exploring experiences of work and family life was conducted among employees of one large private and one large public sector construction organization in Queensland, Australia. Regression analyses were performed to test the validity of the work‐family interface model.FindingsThe model was partially supported in that time and strain‐based demands in the work domain were linked to family functioning via work interference with family. However, time and strain‐based demands in the family domain were not linked to work role outcomes via family interference with work.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was cross‐sectional so the causal direction of relationships could not be ascertained. Longitudinal research is needed to establish the causal direction of the work‐family relationships supported by the research. Further research is also required to examine the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce work interference with family life in the construction sector.Practical implicationsThe asymmetry in the relationship between construction employees' work and family lives indicates that the family life of professional and managerial construction employees in Australia is more susceptible to interference from work than work life is susceptible to interference from family life.Originality/valueProvides evidence that, when construction professionals and managers face obligations in one role that interfere with the enactment of a second role, performance in the second role suffers.
A functional and symbolic perspective to branding Australian SME wineries
Authors: Mowle James , Merrilees Bill 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study proposes investigating the branding of small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) wineries in an Australian context. By taking a qualitative approach, the theory building research seeks further to understand branding from the perspective of the SME winery, and in doing so, go some way in addressing the current deficit in the literature.Design/methodology/approachBhat and Reddy's conceptualisation of brand functionality and symbolism is used as a branding framework to underlie the research. A multiple case study design was adopted as a research method to provide case data on eight SME wineries. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with the owner/manager of each winery, direct observation and document analysis.FindingsThe findings are presented in the form a model of SME winery branding, which, in addition to distinguishing two approaches to branding, highlights the functional and symbolic values inherent in the brand. The findings endorse the notion that brands can simultaneously have both functional and symbolic appeal. More radically, the emergent model suggests interdependence between the functional and symbolic properties of branding.Practical implicationsPractically, the findings highlight the importance of developing the symbolic values associated with the brand, which represent a more sustainable competitive advantage.Originality/valueBy establishing a tentative theory on SME winery branding, this study has begun to address the current deficit in wine marketing literature and has set a foundation for further research.
Successful brand management in SMEs: a new theory and practical hints
Authors: Krake Frank B.G.J.M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeBrand management in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is an area of study in its infancy. Although considerable literature has been published about brand management in general, all theory and case studies are based only on multinationals. This article proposes providing the results and conclusions of exploratory research into this subject, and into SMEs in particular.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the precise role of the entrepreneur and to provide answers to five research questions, a qualitative study based on in‐depth interviews with mainly middle‐sized companies was undertaken. Striking results were obtained from this exploratory research.FindingsThe paper shows the reader what the role of brand management in SMEs is and all the variables that influence it. It also presents a new model for brand development in SMEs, one that highlights the importance of the internal role of brand management in such an organization. An important finding is that passion for the brand throughout the company is a very important factor, initiated by an active role of the entrepreneur him/herself to achieving brand recognition. It does not cost anything and the impact appeared to be significant. Of course creativity is indispensable in this process.Practical implicationsThe change that directors of a relatively small company should make is to place brand management in a top position in their daily mind set. Achieving brand recognition starts inside the organization itself.Originality/valueFor the first time in history extensive research in brand management in SMEs has been combined with the creation of various new theories, resulting in many practical recommendations. These are recommendations that can be used by the reader in his or her own organization.
How screening criteria change during brand development
Authors: Saunders John , Wong Veronica , Stagg Chris , Mar Souza Fontan Mariadel 
Published: January 2007

PurposeDespite the increasing sophistication of new product development (NPD) research, the reliance on traditional approaches to studying NPD has left several areas in need of further research. The authors propose addressing some of these gaps, especially the limited focus on consumer brands, evaluation criteria used across different project‐review points in the NPD process, and the distinction between “kills”, “successes”, and “failures”. Moreover, they propose investigating how screening criteria change across project‐review points, using real‐time NPD projects.Design/methodology/approachA postal survey generated 172 usable questionnaires from a sample of European, North American, Far Eastern and Australian consumer packaged‐goods firms, providing data on 314 new product projects covering different development and post‐commercialization review points.FindingsThe results confirm that acceptance‐rejection criteria vary through the NPD process. However, financial criteria dominate across all the project‐review points. Initial screening is coarse, focusing predominantly on financial criteria. Fit with organizational, product, brand, promotional, and market requirements dominate in the detailed screen and pre‐development evaluation points. At pre‐launch, decision‐makers focus on product, brand, and promotional criteria. Commercial fit, production synergies, and reliability of the firm's market intelligence are significant discriminators in the post‐launch review. Moreover, the importance of marketing and channel issues makes the criteria for screening brands different from those of industrial markets.Originality/valueThe study, although largely descriptive and involves a relatively small sample of consumer goods firms, offers new insights into NPD project evaluation behavior. Future, larger‐scale investigations covering a broader spectrum of consumer product sectors are needed to validate our results and to explain the reasons behind managers' decisions.
Brand extensions: brand concept congruency and feedback effects revisited
Authors: Thorbjørnsen Helge 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this research is to examine the effects of congruent and incongruent brand concept extensions on consumer attitudes towards the extended product and feedback effects on the parent brand. Moreover, brand familiarity is proposed as an important moderator variable in determining feedback effects on attitude to the parent brand.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental research design was applied for testing the set of hypotheses put forth. The product category of wrist‐watches was utilized as setting. A total of 205 respondents participated in the study.FindingsThe study finds general support for the importance of brand concept congruency when it comes to feedback‐effects, whereas no significant differences between congruent and incongruent extensions are found for attitudes to the extension itself. Brand familiarity is found to be an important moderator on parent brand feedback effects.Research limitations/implicationsBefore concluding on the moderating role of brand familiarity in this context, one needs to build a stronger nomological network around this variable. Moreover, the effects observed in this study should be extended and tested for other product categories and preferably also with other methodological approaches.Originality/valueThe study results reemphasize the importance of investigating brand feedback effects when launching category extensions. Also, the research provides new insight into the role of parent brand familiarity when evaluating the potential risks and rewards of conducting brand concept extensions.
Inland technology: the quest for genuine replicas
Authors: Pitta Dennis 
Published: January 2007

PurposeProposes exploring a unique approach to the new product development process and its implications for new product developersDesign/methodology/approachThe case was written after in depth interviews with company managers and customers.FindingsProvides information and a description of an innovative guiding philosophy applied to new product development.Research limitations/implicationsAs with most case studies the situation, industry response and results are pertinent to this particular company. There may be limitations in generalizing to other industries or other companies.Practical implicationsDemonstrates a reactive approach to new product development. Also illustrates a successful means of interacting with government markets.Originality/valueThe case reflects a successful strategy based on establishing a trusted expert position in an environmental protection industry. That position allowed the company to act as a pollution avoidance advocate and to gain effective access to decision makers within their customer companies. Within this industry, the strategy is effective and may be emulated.
Buyer behavior and procedural fairness in pricing: exploring the moderating role of product familiarity
Authors: Shehryar Omar , Hunt David M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis research proposes studying how consumers' familiarity with products impacts the degree to which consumers are sensitive to a seller's violation of procedural fairness norms in pricing. Past research has either studied the role of familiarity or the role of fairness in influencing consumer behavior. However, it is unclear how familiarity and fairness combine to influence consumer behavior. The present research proposes filling this gap.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment is designed to manipulate consumers' perceptions of procedural fairness of a seller's pricing tactic, and consumers' levels of familiarity with a product. Each variable is manipulated to be either high or low. Thus, outcomes are observed for four purchase conditions.FindingsResults indicate that the degree to which consumers rely on procedural fairness to evaluate a product is related to consumers' level of familiarity with a product. Consumers who are less familiar with a product are more likely to rely on procedural fairness to form purchase intentions. Also, unlike their more knowledgeable counterparts, consumers who are less familiar with a product are more likely to equate procedural fairness with perceived quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe research stresses the need to differentiate between the roles played by procedural and distributive fairness in shaping consumer behavior. The authors study only procedural fairness, but a natural next step for future research is to study simultaneously the role of both facets of fairness.Practical implicationsThe results of our study underscore the importance of following procedural fairness norms especially for retailers who deal in product categories where the pace of innovation is so rapid that it creates a large dispersion in knowledge of product attributes among consumers. The study' findings suggest that in such situations, consumers may rely excessively on cues that signal a seller's adherence to or violation of social norms relevant to business practices. Thus, the authors encourage sellers to monitor keenly levels of product knowledge among their customer base. This would enable sellers to identify situations that merit an enhanced sensitivity to upholding social norms such as procedural fairness.Originality/valueThe paper brings to attention the interaction between consumers' familiarity with a product and procedural fairness in pricing. Although an expectation of procedural fairness underlies all exchanges this research identifies consumers' familiarity as a variable that influences the degree to which procedural fairness is relied on in shaping consumer behavior.
Effective marketing of small brands: niche positions, attribute loyalty and direct marketing
Authors: Jarvis Wade , Goodman Steven 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the structure of the market from the perspective of small brands and to discuss marketing strategy implications.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses revealed preference data of the Australian wine market, comprising 4,000 wine shoppers' purchases over a 12‐month period. Standard brand performance measures such as penetration and purchase frequency are applied to the data to define niche and change‐of‐pace brands. Using the same data, price tier loyalty is measured using polarisation, and discussed in relation to the attribute offering required and the direct marketing approach required for true niche positions.FindingsThe empirical results show that both niche and change‐of‐pace positions are prevalent in the wine market and small wineries, within a direct marketing channel approach, should target higher price points with branded wines but also lower price point products as well. The results suggest that attribute levels that are change‐of‐pace are unsustainable for small brands and can only be undertaken by large brands with the appropriate marketing resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors conceptualise that small brands should focus on attribute levels that have excess loyalty. Large brands can absorb attribute levels that are change‐of‐pace. This conceptualisation requires further discussion, particularly from the strategy literature, as well as further empirical testing.Practical implicationsWhilst “niche” positions are the holy grail of some teaching and much practitioner endeavour, this paper has presented data that demonstrate the need for managers to ascertain if the position they occupy is in fact a niche or a change‐of‐pace position.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils a need by using revealed preference behavioural data to highlight different strategies for small and large brands. Behavioural analysis and papers in the past have emphasised the strength and tendency towards large brands without offering insight into small brand strategies.
Customer and brand manager perspectives on brand relationships: a conceptual framework
Authors: Jevons Colin , Gabbott Mark , de Chernatony Leslie 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide a conceptual framework to help researchers and managers understand the complex factors affecting the associations between brands.Design/methodology/approachBrand extension, co‐branding and other associative techniques together with an increasingly communicative environment are resulting in an increasingly complex set of networks and relationships between brands, with singular and multiple relationship forms. There are two key perspectives on these complex relationships, that of the customer and that of the brand owner, i.e. what is seen at the point of transaction and what is expressed by the various brand constructors. Two key perspectives on brand relationships are used that of the customer and that of the brand owner, to describe and discuss an analytical classification of these relationships.FindingsA conceptual synthesis of the dynamics of brand networks and business relationships is presented and a 2 × 2 matrix is developed to classify and describe the four categories that emerge.Practical implicationsDifferent management strategies for different types of business‐brand relationships are suggested.Originality/valueThe conceptual synthesis is new and some uses of the classification for researchers and brand managers are suggested.
Price perceptions, merchant incentives, and consumer welfare
Authors: Lichtenstein Donald R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the research demonstrating the consumer's erroneous and unfounded perceptions of prices, which can have severe negative consequences on consumer welfare.Design/methodology/approachThis is a review paper of previous research on the price/quality relationship and the effects of advertised reference price on consumer's price acceptance.FindingsThe major findings are that you do not necessarily get what you pay for and your idea of what an item should cost is influenced by advertised prices even when they are totally unbelievable.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is in sensitizing the reader to the ways in which sellers, perhaps unconsciously, can take advantage of consumers' price misperceptions.
Economics and marketing on pricing: how and why do they differ?
Authors: Skouras Thanos , Avlonitis George J. , Indounas Kostis A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this general review paper is to provide a comparison and evaluation of the treatment of pricing by the disciplines of economics and marketing.Design/methodology/approachIt is from three perspectives that the marketing and economics approaches to pricing are reviewed, namely, buyers' response to price, firm's determination of price, and industry‐ or economy‐wide role of price.FindingsA comparative review of the relevant marketing and economics literature shows that there are important differences between the two disciplines in their treatment of pricing. Marketing demonstrates a richer and more empirically based treatment of the pricing issue from the buyer's perspective, while economics is unchallenged from the economy‐wide perspective. The differences found between the marketing and economics approaches to pricing are mostly due to their different historical origins, primary concerns and doctrinal evolution. In contrast, interdisciplinary loans especially from behavioral science have made possible considerable advances in marketing, particularly in the understanding of the buyer's perspective.Originality/valuePrevious reviews of the pricing literature do not attempt to provide a direct comparison and evaluation and offer no explanation for the observed differences among the economics and the marketing disciplines regarding their treatment of the pricing issue. The value and originality of the current paper lies in the fact that it represents the first attempt to provide such a comparison and evaluation.
Good news! Behavioral economics is not going away anytime soon
Authors: Cox Donald 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to defend the fast emerging field of behavioral economics which, like marketing, does not require that consumers be rational and, also like marketing, draws on multiple disciplines to answer research questions on consumers' economic behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents recent work showing how behavioral economists are posing interesting and significant questions and answering them in novel ways.FindingsThe basic finding is that behavioral economics has already developed a rich research tradition. It has made a major contribution to understanding economic behavior. It will not soon disappear.Originality/valueThe value in this paper is in demonstrating that there are multiple approaches to understanding consumers' pricing behavior.