bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful principal leadership: Australian case studies
Authors: Gurr David , Drysdale Lawrie , Mulford Bill 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an Australian perspective on successful school leadership.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on case studies in two Australian states (Tasmania and Victoria). Case studies for each state were developed independently and are reported separately.FindingsThe findings show a remarkable degree of commonality demonstrating that the core aspects of successful school leadership can be identified in ways that can help explain the complexity of principal leadership that leads to improved student outcomes.Originality/valueHighlights the importance and contribution of the principal to the quality of education.
Conditions and practices of successful principalship in Shanghai
Authors: Wong Kam‐cheung 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to study successful school principals in China and to provide details of some unique features of the Chinese educational system that both support and constrain principals and their management of schools.Design/methodology/approachExamines the philosophy and practice of new principals of two schools, both in Shanghai, but at opposite ends of the quality spectrum. Eastern Senior High School, a municipal key school, is one of the best schools in Shanghai. Northern Junior High School was a failing school in the 1980s.FindingsThe two principals studied were successful in creating the setting for drastic improvement in their schools. Eastern Senior High School was at its low tide when the new principal arrived. Through some innovative ideas in sports and music, he succeeded in revitalizing the school and moved it from the bottom five to one of the top ten of the 26 municipal key schools in Shanghai. Northern Junior High School was a failing school in the 1980s. There, the new principal came in 1994 and in subsequent years completely changed the school.Originality/valueIllustrates that the concept of successful school developed by one principal and his team was simple: create continuous success experiences for students.
Successful leadership in challenging US schools: enabling principles, enabling schools
Authors: Jacobson Stephen L. , Johnson Lauri , Ylimaki Rose , Giles Corrie 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study aims to examine seven challenging schools in the US and the practices their principals employed in leading these schools to a measure of success in terms of student performance.Design/methodology/approachUses a case study methodology, a two‐stage framework is used to analyze the data. First, uses Leithwood and Riehl's three core leadership practices to determine whether these leaders were demonstrating the necessary practices for success, then develops and describes three principles that enabled these leaders to translate their core practices into school success: accountability, caring and learning.FindingsThe principals formed a diverse group, varying in gender, race, experience and education. But they shared some common characteristics, most notably, all seven demonstrated facility with the core leadership practices of direction setting, developing people and redesigning the organization. They were leaders who managed to set and maintain a sense of purpose and direction for their schools and generally exerted a positive influence on people's willingness to follow their lead, even in the face of challenging conditions.Originality/valueProvides recommendations for the preparation and practice of school leaders.
Understanding successful principal leadership: progress on a broken front
Authors: Leithwood Kenneth 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo synthesize the results of the seven country reports covered in the special issue of JEA on successful school principalship.Design/methodology/approachPresents the main themes of the articles with their main implications and benefits. Examines the different models.FindingsThe country reports provide encouraging signs of progress in addressing this limitation. Such progress seems primarily due to the development of multiple cases, over time, within each country. This allows for ongoing refinement of ideas and data collection techniques, eventually resulting in the cross‐case reports appearing in this issue. These reports provide some indication, as well, that researchers are beginning to learn from their colleagues in other countries.Originality/valueSummarizes multiple case studies of successful principal leadership in seven countries.
An exploratory study of SME local sourcing and supplier development in the grocery retail sector
Authors: Wagner Beverly A. , Fillis Ian , Johansson Ulf 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe overall aim of this research was to undertake an exploratory investigation to gain insights into attitudes and perceptions of supplier development and local sourcing programmes in the UK grocery retail sector.Design/methodology/approachSince this research is exploratory in nature, a qualitative approach to data collection was undertaken using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews.FindingsRetailers do seem to be undertaking supplier development as defined in the literature but the data collected highlights some of the difficulties experienced by all suppliers in supporting grocery retailer category management and branding strategies. From this, local sourcing also implies the involvement of the micro‐enterprise producer. This has the potential for greater levels of power and trust imbalance.Research limitations/implicationsThe main research limitation was the small sample size. However, the research was exploratory and the sample was essentially convenience based. This resulted in over‐representation by the larger SME producer. The findings can be enhanced with further qualitative research focusing on the micro‐enterprise supplier.Originality/valueThe paper offers an insight into the debate on SME supplier development and local sourcing by providing empirical evidence of the current shape and scope of the various initiatives in the UK grocery sector.
Postponed variety creation: case study in consumer electronics retail
Authors: Appelqvist Patrik , Gubi Ebbe 
Published: January 2007

PurposePostponement is known as a way to reduce risk and inventories while still providing high product variety and acceptable response times. The paper is a case study that uses simulation for quantifying these benefits for a consumer electronics company.Design/methodology/approachImprovement potential is first evaluated qualitatively through interviews with dealers of the case company. Next, the benefit of postponement is evaluated quantitatively using discrete‐event simulation with data from operational ERP systems. The conclusions identify conditions under which postponement is beneficial in retail.FindingsIn the case company, shop inventory is necessary for high‐volume and low‐variety products. Postponing variety creation to shops has the potential to decrease inventories for these products by 40‐80 per cent. The benefits of postponement depend on delivery speed requirement, product value, product variety and shop size.Research limitations/implicationsMany contributions on postponement have been conceptual. This study contains a quantitative test. The study considers both the spatial dimension (where) and the temporal dimension (when) of postponement.Practical implicationsThe research was sufficiently successful that the company implemented the delivery concept arising from the results. Corresponding benefits seem possible for other manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods.Originality/valueThe contribution is real‐life quantitative evidence of how modular product architecture can be utilised to improve operational supply chain performance.
Moneychangers: an appraisal of their service
Authors: Gerrard Philip , Barton Cunningham J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study aims to develop a set of dimensions for measuring the service of moneychangers.Design/methodology/approachAttributes for measuring the moneychanger service were created from exit interviews and a review of the literature, and then administered a survey to consumers who had just completed a currency exchange. Respondent feedback was factor analysed, creating six service dimensions: “appearances of the tangibles”, “cost of service”, “interpersonal skills”, “service delivery”, “administrative matters” and “display board”.FindingsThe “service delivery” and the “cost of service” dimensions exceeded customer expectations; the “appearances of tangibles” and the “interpersonal skills” dimensions fell short of expectations; “administrative matters” and the “display board” dimensions merely met expectations. A general finding of this study is that moneychangers, even though they are small businesses, are able to effectively compete with corporate giants (i.e. banks) in exchanging currencies; they achieve this through more than meeting customer expectations in respect of their service delivery and costs.Research limitations/implicationsBased on this research, it is recommended that researchers who conduct studies in service areas might first take steps to identify measures which are specific to the type of business being investigated.Practical implicationsFrom a practical viewpoint, if the proprietors of moneychanger businesses want to improve their service, they should take steps to upgrade the interpersonal skills of the staff who serve customers and the appearances of those tangibles which are visible during service encounters.Originality/valueDevelops a set of dimensions for a specific type of business.
Retail internationalisation: Marks and Spencer in Hong Kong
Authors: Jackson Paul , Sparks Leigh 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA case study of Marks and Spencer (M&S) in Hong Kong is used to explore aspects of the retail internationalisation process.Design/methodology/approachThe case study is developed from four main sources. First, national and trade press commentary on M&S's internationalisation. Secondly, M&S's publications and statements about their international activities. Thirdly, previous research on M&S in Hong Kong, including work by the authors. Finally, informal interviews with current and former M&S management involved in the Hong Kong development. The case study is organised into a description of phases of exporting, store development and crises. This is followed by a discussion of the key internationalisation issues raised in terms of market entry, maintenance and exit. Conclusions follow.FindingsThe study emphasises that internationalisation is a non‐linear, ongoing, dynamic activity involving developments, impacts and retrenchment at a variety of levels. Implications for future research in the area are drawn.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a case study of a particular retailer's internationalisation process in a particular country. The processes in other retailers operating other formats and selling other products and in other countries may be different. Further case studies will allow the generation of a wider understanding of the issues.Originality/valueThe case study provides previously unpublished information on the retail internationalisation process as a whole. It encourages other comparative studies and further research into the topic.
Downtowns in transition
Authors: Hernandez Tony , Jones Ken 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo detail the changing nature of retail and service activity in Canada's downtowns and examine the role of business improvement areas (BIAs) in promoting downtown vitality.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a combination of retail structural analysis and case study research. The structural analysis provides data on transitioning urban demographics and tracks retail and service activity sales change in Canada's major metropolitan downtowns. The case study reports an overview of findings from in‐depth research with the Downtown Yonge BIA. A small number of retail metrics are presented.FindingsThe paper highlights the significant suburb shift in retail activity across Canada's metropolitan areas and the associated challenges that this has resulted in for the downtown. The role of BIAs are outlined, and examined with reference to operation of the BIA concept within the downtown core of Canada's largest metropolitan market, Toronto.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has been selective in focusing on the Downtown Yonge BIA, the experiences of BIAs across Toronto (and other Canada metropolitan areas) are likely to vary widely. Highlights the need to develop metrics to measure performance and compare BIAs.Practical implicationsThe paper provides an interesting perspective on BIA strategies, with the selected metrics providing BIA managers and urban planners with a set of additional measures to assess BIA performanceOriginality/valueThe paper relates BIA planning to the development of performance metrics.
Ethnography of an American Main Street
Authors: Pryor Susie , Grossbart Sanford 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis article seeks to demonstrate how sociological perspectives and ethnographic methods provide insights into extraeconomic and suprafirm factors that may contribute to the functioning and character of downtown business districts. The study is intended to suggest directions for future research, rather than provide a definitive test of specific propositions.Design/methodology/approachA long‐term field investigation of a Midwestern American Main Street is presented in an extended case study format. Participant observation, depth and field interviews, and secondary data collection are the primary methods employed.FindingsThe findings suggest three dialectics that reflect extraeconomic dimensions underlying vital Main Streets. These include continua regarding the structure, function, and festive nature of marketplace activities. In this study, relatively few marketplace activities were commercial functions. Moreover, most were co‐produced by consumers and marketers. The extent of co‐production may contribute to the functioning and character of this vibrant downtown business district.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was designed foster future research regarding the downtown business district as an historical sociocommercial entity. However, it does not test specific hypotheses.Practical implicationsThis article should interest retailers, rural economists, city planners, and economic development agencies due to its focus on sociocommercial aspects of small city commercial centers.Originality/valueThe article highlights the extraeconomic importance of downtown business districts. It presents a case study of a successful Main Street, in contrast with studies that focus on the geographic, economic, and competitive factors related to failed or failing Main Streets.
Evolution in city centre retailing: the case of Utrecht (1974‐2003)
Authors: Weltevreden Jesse , Atzema Oedzge , Frenken Koen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeUsing a continuous dataset, the purpose of this study is to explore the evolution of retailing in the historical city centre of Utrecht between 1974 and 2003.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an evolutionary framework entropy statistics and sector analysis are used to investigate the structural changes that have occurred over this period.FindingsThe results indicate important changes over time. First, there is a decline of shops selling daily and space consuming goods. Second, the expansion of some sectors and the emergence of new sectors has compensated fully for the loss of these shops. The success of some of these sectors is related to the rise of recreational shopping. Despite increased competition of “out‐of‐town” retailing and other forms of retailing, Utrecht's historical city centre has remained on top of the retail hierarchy in The Netherlands by transforming itself into an attractive location for recreational shopping.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that new policies should encourage retail entrepreneurship to adapt to ever changing socio‐economic and spatial contexts. Furthermore, in most sectors that are under pressure, possibilities exist to shift to related categories through what may be called upgrading.Research limitations/implicationsIn the main, the data investigate sector dynamics. Future research on the evolution of retail locations using time‐series, therefore, should try to include more variables, like floor space, organisation type, etc. which can also provide explanations for the patterns of structural change.Originality/valueThe paper has introduced entropy statistics as a new technique to analyse sector variety dynamics of retail locations, since it captures both the number of sectors and the skewness of distribution.
Are the largest public retailers top financial performers? A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Evans Joel R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo empirically study the performance of large retailers in terms of the strategic profit model and the retail performance index over time.Design/methodology/approachThis study looks at how well the largest public US retailers performed financially from 1982 to 2001. Several measures are employed, including sales and profit growth, profit margins, asset turnover, return on assets, financial leverage, and return on net worth. The performance of Wal‐Mart is broken out.FindingsAs a group, the largest public US retailers have not performed very well across a number of measures. They have not been “high performers.” Wal‐Mart has outperformed other very large retailers for virtually every financial measure. It has been a “high performer” by not losing its edge as it has grown.Research limitations/implicationsOnly public retailers were included in the study. Retailers reported financial data using different fiscal years. The federal government converted its data from SIC to NAICS codes during the time frame of the study; the data were converted based on a model from Retail Forward.Practical implicationsAs the largest firms seek to heighten their marketplace concentration, they have to be careful not to fall into a growth trap. They need to be more devoted to driving up their financial performance.Originality/valueThe paper reports the results of a comprehensive longitudinal study of the largest public retailers, and focuses on applying two under‐researched retail performance tools: the strategic profit model and the retail performance index.
Shelf space assigned to store and national brands
Authors: Gómez Suárez Mónica 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo empirically analyse the relationship between the shelf space assigned to brands and several factors related to store management.Design/methodology/approachThe data come from a study of 40 product categories in a sample of superstores in Spain. The variables are: shelf space occupied by private labels, private labels market share, number of promotions, assortment (number of brands and number of varieties) and prices gap between private labels and national brands. A neural network analysis is then applied to the data. Methodologically, this method is shown to have better predictive power than a multiple regression.FindingsThere is a direct relationship between the space occupied by store brands and the market share, and an indirect relationship between the space and the price differential gap, the number of national brands and the range of choice.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research is the time spent on collecting the data. Another limitation is that some variables have not been included in the study such as inventory. The conclusion can be used to account for behaviour of retailers in their outlets and could be used by manufacturers to determine which factors have an influence on the location of their brands on the shelves.Practical implicationsIt has practical implications for retailers because their “over‐merchandizing” of own brands can damage the overall profitability of the category. On the other hand, national leading brands will have to invest more resources in advertising to sustain customer loyalty.Originality/valueThis article shows the impact that store brand shelf space has on different variables related to profitability, market share, and assortment. It has value for three agents: academic researchers, manufacturers and retailers.
Corporate social responsibility and the UK's top ten retailers
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper offers a preliminary exploration of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues being addressed by the UK's top ten retailers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws its empirical information from the CSR reports and information posted on the world wide web by the UK's top ten UK country of origin retailers. Four principal headings: namely, Environment; Marketplace; Workplace; and Community, are used to capture, and provide some illustrative examples of, CSR agendas.FindingsThe findings reveal that each of the top ten retailers has its own approach to CSR and that there are substantial variations in the nature and extent of the reporting process. That said there is some common ground in reporting on a range of environmental issues, on sourcing, on commitment to customers, on employees and on the communities in which the top ten retailers operate. A number of the top ten retailers are employing key performance indicators in an attempt to measure and benchmark their CSR achievements. The underlying message is that the top ten retailers claim that CSR is an integral element of their core business.Originality/valueThe paper provides an accessible review of CSR agendas being pursued by the UK's top ten retailers and as such will interest academics and students in higher education and practitioners and professionals working in the retail marketplace.
The role of the business development manager in the leasehold sector of the UK's public house trade
Authors: Pratten J.D. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo examine the work done by the business development managers (BDMs) who are employed by the pub owning companies with leased/tenanted estates to support the individual licensees.Design/methodology/approachThe public statements issued by the pub owning companies, together with job descriptions were studied. A national survey about the attitude of leaseholders to their landlords was considered, and then both BDMs and lessees were interviewed, so as to see if the employers, the BDMs and the lessees agreed about the service provided.FindingsThe companies maintained that the BDM assisted the individual licensees, but licensees felt that they lacked real power and existed mainly as a debt collector and a company man to check that the tie is not broken. The national survey suggested dissatisfaction with the business relationship between lessee and landlord.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study was confined to a small number of lessees and BDMs. Practical implications: the work confirmed that many licensees resented the lack of practical assistance. This is significant information for the owners and prospective lessees.Originality/valueThe role of the BDM has been neglected, barely rating a mention in most papers addressing the leasehold sector of the licensed trade. This is an attempt to evaluate their work.