bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The tweens market and responses to advertising in Denmark and Hong Kong
Authors: Andersen Lars P. , Tufle Birgitte , Rasmussen Jeanette , Chan Kara 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare sources of money as well as responses to television commercials and pop up advertisements on the internet among young “tween” consumers in Denmark and Hong Kong. Findings are compared with existing preconceptions of the tween segment in the marketing literature.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted in six primary schools in Denmark and Hong Kong, with 434 respondents from fourth, fifth and sixth grades.FindingsThe paper finds that the Danish tweens received higher monthly incomes from all sources than Hong Kong tweens. Danish tweens were more likely to spend money on CDs, computer games, clothing, sports equipment, and cosmetics/jewelry than Hong Kong tweens. Hong Kong tweens were more likely to spend money on books than Danish tweens. The results showed complex differences in the perception and reactions to advertising. The results seem to support that tween consumption and responses to advertising are motivated differently in cultures of individualism and collectivism, and consequently that the tween consumer segment is not as globally homogeneous as it is claimed to be.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was based on a convenience sample. The questionnaire consisted of mainly dichotomous scales, limiting the available statistical analysis. Further qualitative study is needed to explore the reasons for the differences.Practical implicationsThe paper can serve as a guideline for marketing communication targeting tweens, particularly in case of international or global campaigns.Originality/valueThis paper offers insights into designing communication strategies for tweens, particularly when incorporating advertising on television as well as new media. Policy makers should be aware that perceptions and impact of advertising on children may vary significantly across cultures.
The everyday practices surrounding young people's food consumption
Authors: Chitakunye David P. , Maclaran Pauline 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to understand the meanings young people give to their food consumption practices in the mealtime interdependencies at home or at school.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an interpretive research strategy and adopts a multi‐method approach that includes depth interviews, visual diaries, and participant observations during school and family mealtimes. Informants were young people aged between 13 and 17.FindingsThe paper finds a key theme that is emerging in relation to the meanings created with food consumption is the relationship between formal and informal environments for food consumption and between parental and teacher control, and how these are mediated by the media. In response to mealtime interdependencies, informants adopt rebellious and informal everyday mealtime practices such as “eating‐in‐front‐of‐the‐television”, “eating‐at‐any‐time”, and “speed‐eating”. The emergent practices may be interpreted as a form of intergenerational conflict communicated through consumption acts, and ways of negotiating social relationships within social institutions.Practical implicationsThe environment of food consumption may affect the uptake of school meals as well as family meals, and this may impact upon young people's dietary choices and behaviour. Additionally, the results indicate that parents (and teachers) learn from children about new ways to maintain family relatedness and love at mealtimes.Originality/valueThe work in this paper explores the realm of food consumption practices as a political arena involving social institutions.
Ethical issues in the pharmaceutical industry: an analysis of US newspapers
Authors: Sillup George P. , Porth Stephen J. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze newspaper coverage of ethical issues in the pharmaceutical industry.Design/methodology/approachThe top five US newspapers were audited over two years and yielded 376 articles, which appeared as front‐page stories or editorials. First, headlines were analyzed and categorized as positive, negative, or neutral toward the industry. Next, the full‐text of each article was analyzed and ethical issues in each article were categorized. Then, articles were evaluated to determine whether the opposing point of view was included. Finally, comparisons were made between the identified issues and the issues cited by PhRMA, the pharmaceutical industry's trade association.FindingsAnalysis of the ethical issues revealed different results for the two years. In 2004, the most common issues covered were drug pricing, data disclosure and importation/reimportation. In 2005, drug safety was the number one issue, due to Vioxx® with drug pricing a distant second. Headlines were negative 57.1 percent in 2004 and 43.9 percent in 2005. Full‐text articles were negative 69.5 percent in 2004 and 60.1 percent in 2005. The opposing point of view was included 77.7 percent in 2004 and increased to 82.7 percent in 2005. Ethical issues cited by PhRMA, (e.g. drug pricing), received heavy coverage but several identified issues were not on PhRMA's list, notably drug safety.Practical implicationsPharmaceutical companies need to take action to address the negative impression about them.Originality/valueThis research establishes a practical methodology to evaluate newspaper coverage of ethical issues involving the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmaceutical sales performance
Authors: Ryerson Annette 
Published: September 2008

PurposeTo date, a general self‐efficacy concept has been the standard model for prediction of sales performance, and there has yet to be a published study that combines the three variables: sales performance, self‐efficacy, and sales communication behaviors. It is proposed that a model which takes into account the behaviors of getting, giving, using, and planning, and the self‐efficacy of these behaviors, will be a better predictor of sales performance in sales representatives.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a sampling of 110 pharmaceutical sales representatives to measure general self‐efficacy, specific self‐efficacy, behaviors, and sales performance. With the data, the research tested nine hypotheses.FindingsThe self‐efficacy of behaviors such as getting, giving, using, and planning are positively correlated with performance of these behaviors. Increased self‐efficacy of behaviors actually proved to decrease performance of those behaviors, yet the increase in behaviors resulted in increased sales performance.Originality/valueThe differentiation of specific self‐efficacy, with regard to the behaviors of getting, giving, using, and planning, proved to be a superior indicator of sales performance as opposed to general self‐efficacy. Although the findings of this study were not what was originally intended, the inverse nature of the results prove that a model of this nature will assist management in predicting and managing levels of productivity within their sales force.
Modeling the effects of physician‐directed promotion using genetic algorithm‐partial least squares
Authors: Wooi Lim Chee , Kirikoshi Toru , Okano Katsuhiko 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to explore the potential of a hybrid genetic algorithm‐partial least squares (GA‐PLS) modeling approach to understand the important promotional spending variables that influence physicians' prescribing habits and to help leverage managers' insight to plan better spend on their promotional activities.Design/methodology/approachA GA was used as a variable‐selecting tool, and PLS analysis was employed for correlating these variables with the observed variation in the volume of prescriptions. This approach is illustrated using database from a marketing consultant on four major brands in the US antibiotic universe.FindingsGood statistical models were derived that permit simpler and faster computational prediction of the effects of physician‐directed promotion. All final models established had r2 values ranging from 0.835 to 0.922 and cross‐validated r2 (q2) values ranging from 0.791 to 0.911 whereas the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values were confined within 5 percent range on averaging all brand models. Further, thorough statistical analyses revealed the usefulness of promotional spending as a variable and the robustness of GA‐PLS as a correlation tool.Research limitations/implicationsModeling frame was comprised of only antibiotic category, which may limit its general utility.Practical implicationsManagers can become more adept at interpreting the effects of promotion on prescribing behaviors of physicians and are able to build predictive models that would help identify where and how their curious blend of promotional cocktail would yield the highest future returns. Moreover, if the impact of individual promotional spending element can be measured, then this is perhaps a testament to the way the efficacy of interventions to reduce the harmful consequences of pharmaceutical marketing could be validated given a growing number of public beliefs that physician‐directed promotion has grown too heavy‐handed and is undermining medical professionalism.Originality/valueThis area of research has not received much attention in the pharmaceutical marketing literature until recent years, and hopefully this study will stimulate some interest.
Electronic detailing (e‐detailing) of pharmaceuticals to physicians: a review
Authors: Alkhateeb Fadi M. , Doucette William R. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeElectronic detailing (e‐detailing) has been introduced in the last few years by the pharmaceutical industry as a new communication channel to promote pharmaceutical products to physicians. E‐detailing means using digital technology: internet, video conferencing, and interactive voice response. Because of the rapid adoption of e‐detailing among physicians and because of the potential effects of e‐detailing on the physician prescribing behavior, it is important to summarize research about e‐detailing. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on e‐detailing of pharmaceuticals to physicians.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature was conducted to address reasons behind e‐detailing emergence, e‐detailing as a replacement for traditional detailing, different definitions of e‐detailing, e‐detailing processes, the prevalence of e‐detailing among physicians, types of e‐detailing, drivers for e‐detailing adoption among physicians, and adopters' characteristics.FindingsBased on the literature review, there are two types of e‐detailing: interactive (virtual) and video. Several factors including convenience, quality of information, and incentives are common reasons for physicians' adoption of e‐detailing. E‐detailing adopters are more likely to be residents, younger, primary care physicians, practicing in rural areas, and working in solo practice.Originality/valueThis paper provides timely review about e‐detailing for pharmaceutical industry practitioners and institutional healthcare policy makers. However, well designed research studies on the effects of e‐detailing on prescribing are needed. From the pharmaceutical companies perspective, more research should be conducted to determine the best ways to maximize the value pharmaceutical companies can gain through the utilization of e‐detailing tools.
Higher education development and economic growth in Iran
Authors: Fadaee Khorasgani Mahdi 
Published: September 2008

PurposeHigher education has a vital role to play in shaping the way in which future generations learn to cope with the complexities of sustainable development. Universities and higher education institutions educate highly qualified graduates and responsible citizens able to meet the needs of all sectors of human activity; they provide opportunities for higher learning and for learning throughout life; they advance, create and disseminate knowledge through research and provide, as part of their service to the community, relevant expertise to assist societies in cultural, social and economic development; they contribute to the development and improvement of education at all levels, including through the training of teachers. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between higher education and economic growth in Iran.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a baseline survey analysis of Iran supported by tables and figures was conducted. Secondly, by using multivariable time series data on the variables: annual logarithmic gross domestic product, physical capital (K), human capital, research expenditures (R) and by using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, the long‐ and short‐run relationship between the growth and higher education variable was investigated. The following steps were followed: test of a dynamic ARDL model, CUSUM and CUSUMQ test for stability, long‐run relationship and ECM test.FindingsThe results indicated that the higher education variable had a positive effect on the economic growth of Iran in both the short and long run.Originality/valueThe research in this paper has implications for government policy makers responsible for investment in higher education.
Higher education reform in Egypt: preparing graduates for Egypt's changing political economy
Authors: Tyler E. Holmes Mary 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing studies conducted in Egypt to make the case for improving education outcomes while analyzing the social, political, and economic ramifications of the current higher education system.Design/methodology/approachSamples were drawn from existing studies conducted in Egypt by experts in the education field.FindingsResults suggest that the higher education admissions process should become more competitive thereby limiting the number of enrollments. More resources should be devoted towards higher education with a particular emphasis on workforce development and Egypt should seek the help of donor agencies and experts to advise and reform the system.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were based on existing literature and were not conducted in Egypt which somewhat limited qualitative analysis.Originality/valueA contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the lack of quality in the higher education system fails to prepare graduates to the workforce and impacts on the social stability of Egypt. By questioning aspects of the current higher education system and calling for more freedom of research and expression, the research raises interesting questions about the impact of closed societies on education systems.
The status of Arabic language teaching today
Authors: Taha‐Thomure Hanada 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map out the status of Arabic language teaching as practiced in the Arab World today and to bring into focus the main issues that any improvement to that discipline would need to address.Design/methodology/approachA review of the current teaching practices and needs in the teaching of the Arabic language.FindingsArabic language teaching practices remain teacher centered and bound to teaching the textbook and overlooking the importance of aligning the curriculum to instruction and assessment.Practical implicationsThe need is critical for writing national standards for the Arabic language in addition to establishing teacher colleges that offer quality pedagogical training all backed by sound research and generous funding.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of teaching and seeing the Arabic language in a totally new light that preserves national identity yet embraces best teaching practices.
The application of feminism in the Arab world: research perspectives
Authors: Gallant Monica 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper's objective is to explore how the concepts of feminism can be applied in an Arab context to help the emancipation of women.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literature based study that evaluates what form of feminism best fits the Arab context. This gives rise to a suggestion of how Arab women can navigate feminist ideals within their cultural discourses.FindingsThe study indicates that it is possible for Arab women to create sustainable emancipatory movement by gradually challenging patriarchal discourses while still maintaining a connection to key societal norms.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents a focused literature study and contains limited first hand accounts of Emirate females. It does, however, provide the basis for obtaining more in‐depth first hand accounts in future studies.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that Islamic principles must be considered in any discussion of feminism in an Arab context. In addition, the study acknowledges that successful feminist movements should be gradual and should take into account societal discourses to allow women to gain emancipatory action while not becoming alienated from their society. The study notes the importance of the sharing of experiences as a catalyst for change.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few attempting to discuss the application of feminist concepts in an Arabic context.
Resource configurations, generic strategies, and firm performance
Authors: Furrer Olivier , Sudharshan D. , Thomas Howard , Tereza Alexandre Maria 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper, anchored in the resource‐based view of the firm, attempts to develop linkages between firm‐level resources, Porter's competitive strategy space and firm performance and explores them in the context of a new industry – the marketing technology industry.Design/methodology/approachIn the marketing technology industry the authors classify resource configurations (generalists, specialists, innovators) which group firms with distinctive competences on similar resource dimensions. They then map these firm‐level resource configurations onto their respective optimal strategies in the industry's competitive strategy space.FindingsThe major findings are: some firms that are close together in strategy space vary in performance; some firms that are close together in strategy space belong to quite different resource configurations; firms that belong to the same resource configuration (i.e. are close together in resource space and distant from others) vary in performance; given the origin (i.e. resource configuration) of a new entrant there exists an optimal strategy that can be theoretically defined; and corresponding to each resource configuration there seems to exist a unique optimal region in strategy space.Originality/valueIt is one of few attempts to empirically explore the parallels between firm level resource‐based and industry level competitive strategies.
The international competitiveness of Asian firms
Authors: Rugman Alan M. , Hoon Oh Chang 
Published: September 2008

PurposeConventional studies of international competitiveness use country‐level data, but the aim of this paper is to extend this work by using firm level data of large Asian firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors gathered the regional sales and assets data for large Asian firms listed in latestFortuneGlobal 500 from their annual reports. They then applied the data to the firm specific advantage/country specific advantage matrix and the regional matrix frameworks developed by Rugman.FindingsIt is found that most Asian firms do not operate globally, but focus on their home region. Thus, Asian firms exploit and develop their FSAs regionally. Only a few large Japanese and Korean firms have significant sales outside of Asia. Large Asian firms vie with their regional competitors in their home region market.Originality/valueInternational competitiveness does not necessarily mean globalization or global competition. International strategic management should consider the reality of regional competition.
Integrating work experiences into teaching
Authors: Goldman Ellen F. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeManagement educators are criticized for not maximizing the use of students' work experiences in the classroom. This paper aims to demonstrate how knowledge gained from work experiences can be organized into a teaching taxonomy and transformed into teaching strategies. The exemplar of learning to think strategically is used to illustrate the process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reframes how teaching taxonomies can be developed and how teaching strategies that use work experiences can be created.FindingsThe paper finds that knowledge gained from work experiences and the associated learning methods that created that knowledge, can be matched to required domain knowledge to form a teaching taxonomy and to develop teaching strategies.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a way to develop a teaching taxonomy that assists management educators in selecting teaching strategies that both use students' work experiences and are specific to the content to be learned.Originality/valueThe paper offers a new framework and process for using workplace experiences in classroom teaching.
Leadership on an industrial journey
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Maclean Mairi 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to interview Sir John Parker, Chairman of the National Grid.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of an interview.FindingsSir John Parker shares his thoughts and advice on a range of topics, including leadership challenges, decision making and strategic direction.Originality/valueProvides valuable insights from one of the most influential directors in British business.
Where do we fit in the swings and roundabouts of strategy?
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , O'Regan Nicholas 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine and analyze the development of strategic management as a field of inquiry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper relies on secondary‐source analysis.FindingsStrategic management has evolved significantly over the past four decades and today it is a well accepted and respected field of inquiry. In gaining academic acceptance, it has lost its practitioner root and it relies too heavily on positivistic deductive research methods and economics as the base discipline. The paper argues that it is time for a re‐think.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper argues for a more inclusive approach to strategic management where inductive qualitative research drawing on base disciplines such as sociology, political economy, psychology, behavioral economics play a significant role alongside positivistic deductive approach mainly rooted in industrial or organizational economics.Practical implicationsTo continue its impressive upward trajectory, strategic management needs to pay more attention to relevance but not at the expense of rigour. Furthermore, strategic management needs to embrace more issues of interest to practice such as implementation, sustainability and regulation.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of developments in the field of strategic management and to move forward it is important to have a good grasp of the past.