bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A conceptual model linking brand building strategies and Japanese popular culture
Authors: Simeon Roblyn 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo investigate the degree to which products, images, and activities associated with a popular culture supports and sustains brands associated with that culture, with particular reference to global Japanese brands.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey of 638 respondents in and around San Francisco. Only a third were American, the remainder originating from several countries in Europe, South America and Asia. Roughly four fifths were under 35 years of age, and the gender balance reflected the general population. Questions gathered data relevant to four specific research propositions, which were interpreted by regression analysis.FindingsResults provided good support for two research propositions, that that a wider range of experience of the manifestations of Japanese popular culture would enhance the tendency to prefer related brands, and that a favourable view of the national culture would increase the likelihood of a positive orientation to brands associated with it. They were equivocal with respect to the other two, that positive views of the culture would transfer to brands associated with it, and that age would influence receptiveness to cultural influences.Research limitations/implicationsAn exploratory study, in a single location, of the association between one national culture and its exported brands. The underpinning model suggests directions for future research into an important phenomenon.Practical implicationsRelating brands closely to national cultures promises synergy in marketing strategy, provided plans are informed by appropriate marketing intelligence.Originality/valueOffers potentially valuable insights into branding, country‐of‐origin effects, and the influence of an overt national culture on acceptance of its internationally marketed brands.
The academic‐practitioner divide: finding time to make a difference
Authors: Southgate Nick 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo present a point of view from the marketing practitioner's standpoint on the “academic/practitioner divide” vigorously discussed by authors collected together in a Special Issue in 2004.Design/methodology/approachCommissioned as a viewpoint, with permission to “think aloud”.FindingsArgues that marketing practitioners are likely to cite time‐poverty as their reason for not taking the initiative in reading the academic journals in the marketing management field or forging links with the business school community. They also sense that they would have to justify the use of academic sources in the preparation of strategies and plans, as distinct from what is in the “standard pool of knowledge” or the successfully popularised semi‐textbooks to be found at amazon.com or in airport executive lounges.Practical implicationsRationalisations of this kind may be a subconscious excuse for inertia, and marketing strategists should resist their power to maintain the division between themselves and their natural intellectual collaborators.Originality/valueChallenges the orthodox view that academics themselves are responsible for the failure of practitioners to engage in dialogue with them.
Market orientation emphases: an exploration of macro, meso and micro drivers
Authors: Mason Katy J. , Harris Lloyd C. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeAlthough much has been written about the antecedents and consequences of market orientation, and previous studies have generated useful insights into different “forms” of market orientation, little is known of the emphases placed on different dimensions of market orientation, and no published research to date has explicitly focused on the environmental factors that may contribute to the development of particular orientation emphases. Accordingly, the study reported here aims to explore the divergent varieties of emphasis in practice, and to identify the environmental factors that contribute to that variation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper begins with a comprehensive review of the literature of market orientation. The study it then reports adopted a realist perspective and used techniques usually associated with qualitative research and “grounded theory”, a departure from the positivist approach and survey methodology typically found in published studies of market orientation. Data were collected in 114 face‐to‐face, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews in more than 50 UK‐based firms.FindingsResults uncover four variations of market orientation, each of which exhibits a different emphasis, linked to environmental factors at the micro, meso and macro levels. The emphasis placed on the different dimensions of market orientation appears to be dynamic, and driven by changing environmental factors.Practical implicationsMarketing planners need to consider which emphasis of market orientation is most suited to stated strategic objectives. After instituting strategic change, managers need to ensure that the form of market orientation developed continues to reflect and respond to environmental conditions.Originality/valueThis paper offers interesting insights to practitioners concerned with the wider implications of market orientation.
Investigating archetype‐icon transformation in brand marketing
Authors: Tsai Shu‐pei 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe archetype paradigm has been gaining importance as a marketing approach to global branding, advocating that strategists should create archetypal symbolism to engage with fundamental human psychology. The study reported here is based on consumer imagination theory, which aims to offers a means to determine whether a brand archetype will transform into an icon, and thereby achieve the maximum effect.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with 810 loyal customers of the Nike Air Jordan brand took place in the Asia Pacific, Western Europe, and North America regions of the world. Sub‐samples were selected and interviewed by research assistants in each sampling location, under central control to ensure that all profiles matched the known characteristics of the population under study. A relatively unstructured first phase generated question topics, which were transformed into verbatim sentences on cards, which respondents subsequently sorted. Matrix analysis elicited relationships among the resultant constructs, in terms of degree and direction. Focus group discussions were conducted to refine the emerging findings. Data were subjected to “open”, “axial”, and “selective” coding. Key concepts and relationships were finally incorporated into a fully developed model.FindingsA “brand archetype‐icon transformation” model derived from the analysed data suggests a plan for the implementation of the “archetypal marketing” strategy, combining four theoretical elements under the overall coordination of a “comprehensive brand management” philosophy.Originality/valueThis study is an original and exploratory transfer of theoretical principles from classic psychology to marketing strategy. The final section examines practical potential by reference to other global brands. The paper proposes a paradigm for building and sustaining consumer loyalty to global brands.
How to profit from the balanced scorecard
Authors: Assiri Ali , Zairi Mohammed , Eid Riyad 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify a comprehensive set of potential determinants influencing the successful implementation of balanced scorecard (BSC).Design/methodology/approachThis research is an exploratory investigation into the BSC implementation based on a holistic view. This includes: a comprehensive scrutiny of the relevant literature; a comprehensive analysis of case studies of BSC implementations in organisations presented in the literature; and an exploratory global survey of 103 organisations in 25 countries that have already implemented or are in the process of implementing BSC.FindingsThe roadmap presented in this paper has been taken from a model proposed in the study. The model contained 27 critical success factors which are expected to influence the BSC implementation. The model divides those factors into three levels, namely dominant, main, and supporting factors.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to empirically test and refine the proposed factors, and explore relationships among the various variables by collecting data from organisations that have already implemented BSC.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are important and relevant to all the different sized organisations in the different sectors and industries. This study also makes a significant contribution to society in general.Originality/valueGenerally, the generic factors proposed by this study should enhance the current practices of BSC implementation, which mostly follow narrowly‐focused approaches. In essence, the results of this research will help management in making crucial decisions and in resource allocations that are required to make the BSC implementation a success.
How R&D management practice affects innovation performance
Authors: Huang Eugenia Y. , Lin Shu‐Chiung 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the variables that affect the innovation performance of R&D teams, and to investigate the interactions between these variables.Design/methodology/approachA research framework is first established through a literature review, and is then adjusted according to case studies of five high‐tech companies in Taiwan. The adjusted model is then tested through a survey of high‐tech companies in Taiwan.FindingsIt is concluded that the style of the upper management team and the leadership of the R&D manager are the main forces that determine R&D management practice, but that the educational background, work experience, and expertise of R&D managers do not distinguish the level of discipline or the sophistication of R&D management practice. Some aspects of R&D management practice, for example, the generation and utilization of technical reports and the cultivation of professional knowledge, can be reinforced by office support and alliance. With adequate resource support, more sophisticated R&D management practice does lead to better innovation performance as measured by the number of new products, patents, and technical reports.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are derived only from the high‐tech industry in Taiwan. This regional limitation is inevitable in a single study. In the future, more regions can be investigated and compared.Practical implicationsR&D management practice links closely to innovation performance. Disciplined and sophisticated practice improves innovation performance in many ways under different contingencies.Originality/valueR&D management practice was never a focus of study. This paper approaches the topic of innovation performance from this perspective and confirms its importance in many ways.
Enabling the strategic development of SMEs through advanced manufacturing systems
Authors: Raymond Louis , Croteau Anne‐Marie 
Published: September 2006

PurposeIn order to deepen knowledge and further build theory on the use of advanced manufacturing systems (AMS) in SMEs, the present research seeks to explore the following questions: are the AMS used by SMEs aligned with their network, product and market development strategies? And does the alignment of AMS contribute to the successful outcome of these strategies, that is, to the business performance of manufacturing SMEs?Design/methodology/approachA survey of 248 Canadian manufacturers was used to collect data that were analyzed through cluster analysis and analysis of variance.FindingsThree alignment patterns of strategic development were identified and named local SMEs, transition SMEs, and world‐class SMEs. World‐class firms were found to clearly outperform local firms in terms of growth and profitability whereas transition SMEs did not perform significantly better or worse than the other two groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe nature of the sample imposes care in generalizing the results of the study. Co‐alignment constitutes a valid theoretical foundation on which to further investigate the fundamental technology management problem for manufacturing SMEs, namely how these firms can achieve value from ever‐increasing investments in AMS.Practical implicationsWhen shifts in the business environment require strategic choices or provide strategic opportunities for development in terms of product innovation, market expansion or network extension, the resulting changes must be inter‐linked and assessed systemically with the SMEs' assimilation and integration of AMS.Originality/valueViewing AMS from a configurational perspective has provided a deeper understanding of the extent to which SMEs co‐align their use of manufacturing technology with their development strategies in order to achieve greater business performance.
An exploratory study of enterprise resource planning adoption in Greek companies
Authors: Koh S.C.L. , Simpson M. , Padmore J. , Dimitriadis N. , Misopoulos F. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo examine enterprise resource planning (ERP) adoption in Greek companies, and explore the effects of uncertainty on the performance of these systems and the methods used to cope with uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThis research was exploratory and six case studies were generated. This work was part of a larger project on the adoption, implementation and integration of ERP systems in Greek enterprises. A taxonomy of ERP adoption research was developed from the literature review and used to underpin the issues investigated in these cases. The results were compared with the literature on ERP adoption in the USA and UK.FindingsThere were major differences between ERP adoption in Greek companies and companies in other countries. The adoption, implementation and integration of ERP systems were fragmented in Greek companies. This fragmentation demonstrated that the internal enterprise's culture, resources available, skills of employees, and the way ERP systems are perceived, treated and integrated within the business and in the supply chain, play critical roles in determining the success/failure of ERP systems adoption. A warehouse management system was adopted by some Greek enterprises to cope with uncertainty.Research limitations/implicationsA comparison of ERP adoption was made between the USA, UK and Greece, and may limit its usefulness elsewhere.Practical implicationsPractical advice is offered to managers contemplating adopting ERP.Originality/valueA new taxonomy of ERP adoption research was developed, which refocused the ERP implementation and integration into related critical success/failure factors and total integration issues, thus providing a more holistic ERP adoption framework.
Building tribal community support for technology access
Authors: Roy Loriene 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarize the impact of a grant to fund staffing part‐time technology staff at centers on six reservations in Arizona, USA. The grant was designed to determine whether tribal communities would be able to support part‐time technology staff positions at the end of a one‐year funding period.Design/methodology/approachEvaluation of the grant was conducted through on‐site visits, interviews with technology staff, grant managers, student interns, and selected American Indian patrons of the technology sites.FindingsResults indicate that a successful technology training site was dependent on several factors, including the personality and dedication of the technology staff, the location of the center, and the customized services provided. Nine recommendations from the study are identified, including the establishment of state‐level advisory and financial support, sharing of information among sites, building local capacity, continuing education for technology staff, continuance of the graduate student internship program, and continued contact with community technologies as a possible recruiting ground for graduate LIS programs.Originality/valueUntil now little information has been available on how to introduce technology services at information settings in Indian country within the USA.
Influence of copying machines on the preservation of originals
Authors: Perminova Olga , Stepanova Tatyana , Burtseva Irina , Manturovskaya Nina , Popunova Valentina , Sharikcova Albina 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article and the subsequent research within the Russian State Library, was to determine whether the scanning process influences the state of library documents – a question asked by librarians and scanning personnel alike.Design/methodology/approachThe biological stability, mechanical and thermal properties of three types of paper were investigated after digitizing by three scanners (Minolta PS 7000, Bookeye and Epson JT 9000) used in the Russian State Library.FindingsIt was discovered that there were differences in the scanned paper properties in the comparison with control samples just after the digitizing and during natural and artificial aging. The conclusion is made that this treatment influences paper surface and may accelerate its decomposition.Practical implicationsIt is possible to draw conclusions that digitizing promotes the onset of paper destruction, and artificial ageing catalyzes this process, i.e. stability of scanned samples will decrease in time.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the discussion of providing access to original documents through digitization preserving and the effects on paper of the scanning process. It should be welcomed by both librarians responsible for digitization and manufacturers of scanning equipment alike.
Recent developments in remote document supply (RDS) in the UK – 2
Authors: Prowse Stephen 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide a review of recent developments in remote document supply and related matters in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a range of articles, reports, books, papers and web sites.FindingsRemote document supply is in decline, and this trend is likely to continue. Advances in technology open the way for unmediated requesting and supply. Collaborative off‐site stores are emerging as the solution to library space problems while preserving access to collections.Originality/valueThe article provides an overview of current developments in UK document supply by an experienced practitioner.
ISO and I reap: lessons learned from Antipodean implementations of the ISO‐ILL protocol
Authors: Irwin Jillian , Reid David 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper, an update of that presented at the 9th IFLA Interlending and Document Supply Conference, describes the implementation of the ISO‐ILL protocol between the University of Auckland and Te Puna Interloan, and the University of Auckland and Kinetica Document Delivery (now Libraries Australia Document Delivery). It backgrounds the context and traverses a number of issues central to the ISO‐ILL implementations.Design/methodology/approachThe article combines narrative and analysis of the projects from the perspective of each of the implementing libraries.FindingsThe authors report on various aspects of their work, including business models, anticipated and actual benefits from the implementations, testing, lessons learned and a brief look into the future. They conclude that planning and rigorous testing are significant ingredients to success and that communication to the user body is also a vital factor.Practical implicationsThe work undertaken may provide other libraries with a model for similar implementations.Originality/valueThe implementation between Te Puna Interloan and the University of Auckland is the first implementation of the ISO‐ILL protocol in New Zealand and represents a major breakthrough in interlending in New Zealand. The integration of two national utilities into the one interloan management system, the University of Auckland VDX system, is believed to be the first of its kind.
Three‐dimensional discrete element simulation for granular materials
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Nezami Erfan G. , Hashash Youssef M.A. , Ghaboussi Jamshid 
Published: September 2006

PurposeDevelop a new three‐dimensional discrete element code (BLOKS3D) for efficient simulation of polyhedral particles of any size. The paper describes efficient algorithms for the most important ingredients of a discrete element code.Design/methodology/approachNew algorithms are presented for contact resolution and detection (including neighbor search and contact detection sections), contact point and force detection, and contact damping. In contact resolution and detection, a new neighbor search algorithm called TLS is described. Each contact is modeled with multiple contact points. A non‐linear force‐displacement relationship is suggested for contact force calculation and a dual‐criterion is employed for contact damping. The performance of the algorithm is compared to those currently available in the literature.FindingsThe algorithms are proven to significantly improve the analysis speed. A series of examples are presented to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms and the overall discrete element method (DEM) code.Originality/valueLong computational times required to simulate large numbers of particles have been a major hindering factor in extensive application of DEM in many engineering applications. This paper describes an effort to enhance the available algorithms and further the engineering application of DEM.
Rapid internationalisation among entrepreneurial firms in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand
Authors: Loane Sharon , Bell Jim 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe importance of networks in the internationalisation of entrepreneurial firms is widely accepted. However, while the literature tends to focus on the existing networks of firms, there is growing evidence that many rapid internationalisers have to build new networks. This cross‐national study investigates the networks of internationalising entrepreneurial firms in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐stage approach and mixed methods were employed. Online sources were used to gather information on 218 internationalising small firms, then an e‐mail instrument was administered to verify data and address information gaps, resulting in 143 usable responses (66 per cent) evenly distributed across locations. A representative sub‐sample of 53 firms was selected for further in‐depth investigation via face‐to‐face interviews with CEOs.FindingsA high proportion of firms (25 per cent) actively used existing networks to develop their knowledge of international markets and improve their international competitiveness. However, an even larger number (34 per cent) had to build new networks because of the advanced nature of their offering. In‐depth interviews provided rich insights into the nature and scope of the firms' network development activities.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the sample size is relatively small, the findings are consistent across locations. They suggest that further investigation of network building activities among internationalising entrepreneurial firms is required.Practical implicationsThe results have implications on firm strategy, in terms of the strategic nature of network building and the need for systematic approaches. They also are pertinent to public policy in support of internationalisation. In particular, there is a need for support agencies to shift their focus from providing objective knowledge to supporting experiential learning and network development.Originality/valueThe linkage of extant network approaches to the emerging knowledge‐based view (KBV) of internationalisation enhances and advances both perspectives.