bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperchoice and high prices: an unfair combination
Authors: Maxwell Sarah 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the effect of the number of choices on judged fairness and willingness to purchase.Design/methodology/approachA survey‐based study was conducted with a between‐subject, two×five design having two levels of price ranges (high/low) and five levels of complexity (1, 3, 7, 11, and 21 choices). A total of 519 surveys were completed with a minimum of 42 respondents per cell.FindingsGreater choice initially has a positive effect on consumers' likelihood of purchase and their judgments of the fairness of the price. But too much choice has a negative effect, thereby creating an inverted “U” response curve. The effect of choice set size, however, is only triggered when combined with a high price. When the price is low, the number of choices has no effect on the judged fairness of the price and likelihood of purchase.Practical implicationsThe practical implication is that, although consumers like to have choices, there is no increased benefit to increasing the number of choices as long as the price is low. And there is a declining benefit from increasing the number when the price is high. Since there is a managerial cost to providing choices, it appears prudent to only provide between three and seven.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in demonstrating that, although some choice is beneficial in overcoming the negative impact of a higher price, too many choices can be detrimental in causing confusion.
Brand management and the challenge of authenticity
Authors: Beverland Michael 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the challenges that the widespread desire for authenticity presents for brand managers.Design/methodology/approachProvides a viewpoint essay.FindingsAuthenticity requires brand managers to downplay their overt marketing prowess and instead locate their brands within communities and sub‐cultures. Brands should become members of communities and appeal to more timeless values, while also delivering to members' needs.Research limitations/implicationsStudies of how brands develop images of authenticity are needed. Case histories drawing on multiple sources of data of brands are also needed. Research into how consumers define authenticity is required.Practical implicationsBrand managers must open up their brands to members of a community, downplay their overt marketing prowess, and appeal to the timeless values of that community. Brand managers should decouple and downplay their real business acumen in favour of appealing to social norms.Originality/valueBrand management models assume that brand marketers provide brands with meaning. This view is challenged, arguing that brand meaning is derived from the day‐to‐day interactions between the brand and subcultures. The article also challenges the view that marketers should necessarily appear proficient at what they do, instead calling for marketers to downplay their role in order to be more effective.
Young consumers and perception of brands in Hong Kong: a qualitative study
Authors: Chan Kara 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to explore young people's perceptions of the desirability of brands and brand ownership in Hong Kong using drawings and open‐ended questions.Design/methodology/approachA total of 48 Chinese children aged 13 to 19 were asked to draw what comes to their minds for two statements: “This young person has a lot of new and expensive branded goods”; and, “This young person does not have a lot of branded goods”. After drawing, respondents were personally interviewed to answer four questions associating possessions of branded goods with happiness, friendship, and personality traits.FindingsAnalysis of the drawings and interviews indicated that there were significant differences in young people's perceptions of someone with or without a lot of branded goods in terms of type of possessions, leisure activities, observable qualities and personality traits. Respondents were more likely to relate possessions of branded goods with happiness, friendship, and self‐esteem. A person with a lot of branded goods however, was perceived as arrogant, wasteful, vain and superficial. A person without a lot of branded goods was perceived as easygoing, friendly and down‐to‐earth. Results demonstrate that respondents were able to appreciate the value of possessions based on emotional attachment, personality association and social meaning. The results supported John's model of consumer socialization that children and young people in the reflective stage of consumer socialization could understand fully the value of possessions.Practical implicationsMarkets and advertisers that target young Chinese consumers should be sensitive to their negative association of personality traits and possessions of branded goods with arrogance and wastefulness. They can encourage the instrumental materialism of how to use branded goods to enhance friendship and to achieve self‐defining goals.Originality/valueBased on these findings, three hypotheses were proposed about young people's perceptions of possessions that can be further tested in a quantitative survey.
Message framing effects on price discounting
Authors: Gendall Philip , Hoek Janet , Pope Tracy , Young Karen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of two experiments designed to examine the effect on consumers of the way in which price discount messages are expressed, or “framed”.Design/methodology/approachBoth studies involved stated‐preference choice modelling experiments. The aim of the first experiment was to test the hypothesis that a price reduction framed in dollar terms is more effective for high‐priced items, whereas a price reduction framed as a percent discount is more effective for lower‐priced items. The aim of the second experiment was to determine which of four alternative ways of expressing the same 33 per cent price discount – cents off, percent discount, or one of two volume discounts – is most effective.FindingsFor two “low‐priced” items, potato chips and cola drinks, the framing of a price discount had little or no effect. However, for two ”high‐priced” items, stereos and computers, framing a discount in dollar terms was significantly more effective than expressing it as a percent off discount. For three fast moving consumer goods the most effective framing of the same price discount depended on whether the product concerned was amenable to stockpiling. For tinned spaghetti, which is relatively cheap and easy to store, volume discounting was more attractive than a monetary discount, whereas for bottled water and semi‐soft butter, which are more expensive and bulkier, the opposite was true.Originality/valueFor high‐priced products, it is better to express price discounts as dollars or cents off than as a percentage off; the opposite may be true for low‐priced products, but this is much less certain. However, if using a volume promotion, “buy x get one free” is likely to be more effective than “y for the price of x”.
Universities: a prime example of branding going wrong
Authors: Jevons Colin 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a call to action for universities to practice what they preach in developing and communicating differentiated brands.Design/methodology/approachReviews some recent literature on university branding and contrasts this with other industries.FindingsFor the benefit not just of intending students, but also for the benefit of potential and existing staff as well as research clients and graduate employers, universities should develop meaningfully differentiated brands to communicate their strengths.Research limitations/implicationsUniversity brand managers should seek to clearly differentiate their offerings from the competition. Aspects of a university's brand attract students, staff, and industry seeking staff or consultancy.Originality/valueThe large amounts of expenditure on university marketing would be more efficiently used if the principles of brand management taught within them were applied properly.
Factors that may influence or hinder use of instructional technology among accounting faculty
Authors: Ahadiat Nasrollah 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo determine what factors influence faculty's decisions to use technology in their classes, what factors prevent them from use, and whether there are differences among faculty by gender, ethnicity, rank, sub‐areas, etc. in using instructional technology.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was used to measure attitudes toward technology among accounting educators. The instrument included three separate sections. The first section was devoted to examining factors that could influence faculty's opinion to use technology for teaching. The second section focused on issues that could possibly discourage faculty from use of technology. For these two sections a five‐point Likert scale was developed with possible responses ranging from “not important” to “critically important”. The third and final section was designed to provide demographic information for classification purposes and testing of the research questions.FindingsThe results demonstrate that while accounting faculty value technology greatly and do use it in teaching, significant differences exist in their views toward it. Several factors were found to influence faculty's attitudes toward integration of technology. Conversely, there are other factors that tend to hamper widespread integration.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted among US accounting faculty, which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere or in other disciplinesPractical implicationsUniversity‐sponsored incentive programs and financial support could encourage faculty to further incorporate technology and its various dimensions in their classes. Furthermore, administrators should make the necessary arrangements for faculty to attend training seminars designed to provide them with technical support.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence that is useful to both faculty and administrators in integrating technology in education.
An exploration of student internet use in India
Authors: Fusilier Marcelline , Durlabhji Subhash 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore behavioral processes involved in internet technology acceptance and use with a sample in India, a developing country that can potentially benefit from greater participation in the web economy.Design/methodology/approachUser experience was incorporated into the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict intentions to use the internet as well as self‐reported usage. Data were collected from 269 college students with a questionnaire methodology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied to test each theory, as well as user experience, and the variables' interactive effects on the criterion of internet usage intentions.FindingsBoth TAM and TPB were supported in their predictions of internet use intentions and usage. Although a main effect for user experience did not emerge, it did significantly interact with components of both theoretical models, suggesting that it has a complex influence on internet user intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe self‐report criteria are a limitation. Future research should employ more objective measures of internet use. Also, antecedents of internet use might be explored in other developing economies.Practical implicationsTo encourage internet usage intentions, it appears worthwhile to create in potential users a sense that the technology is useful, easy to use, and that others have expectations regarding its usage.Originality/valueFindings suggest that theories of technology acceptance developed in the Western world may also apply in India.
Management information system based on the balanced scorecard
Authors: Kettunen Juha , Kantola Ismo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to describe the planning and implementation in Finland of a campus‐wide management information system using a rigorous planning methodology.Design/methodology/approachThe structure of the management information system is planned on the basis of the management process, where strategic management and the balanced scorecard approach have important roles.FindingsThe balanced scorecard approach is useful not only in accomplishing the objectives, measures and targets of the institutional strategy but also in the planning of the management information system.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study are useful for educational administrators, project managers, software developers and usability specialists.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge and practice of campus‐wide information systems applying the balanced scorecard approach as a basis for the management information system to translate the strategy into action.
Implementing e‐learning in Northern Ireland: prospects and challenges
Authors: Uhomoibhi James O. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to examine trends in the development of e‐learning in Northern Ireland, report on existing policies, practices and issues affecting its implementation across the sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe present study draws on e‐learning policies and strategies that have been developed for Northern Ireland. Examples were drawn from case studies in schools and institutions and analyzed. Resulting knowledge and technology transfer across the sectors were evaluated.FindingsE‐learning and the use of ICT is playing key role in shaping teaching and learning in Northern Ireland. Its implementation is providing innovative and creative ways for knowledge and technology transfer. It is facilitating the establishment of a skilled community and workforce for a knowledge society. Associated with the positive changes and opportunities of the technological capabilities are some challenges and risks, some of which involve reaction of individuals and organizations to changes and dealing with the problem of increasing digital divide.Practical implicationsThis paper critically evaluates some of the benefits of e‐learning in a society experiencing significant changes and assesses its potential in addressing the growing digital divide.Originality/valueHighlights recent advances in e‐learning in the higher and further education sectors in the region and addresses some of the implications for the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Configuration and management of a cluster computing facility in undergraduate student computer laboratories
Authors: Cornforth David , Atkinson John , Spennemann Dirk H.R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeMany researchers require access to computer facilities beyond those offered by desktop workstations. Traditionally, these are offered either through partnerships, to share the cost of supercomputing facilities, or through purpose‐built cluster facilities. However, funds are not always available to satisfy either of these options, and university departments are under increasing pressure to obtain the maximum return on investment. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a low‐cost cluster computing facility using existing workstations in undergraduate computing laboratories.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a previous feasibility study, experiments were conducted with cluster configurations of increasing size to determine the benefits and drawbacks. This was followed by identification and resolution of problems, and assessment of effects upon existing users of the computers.FindingsA working cluster was built to supply the needs of researchers, with almost no impact upon existing users and at very little cost.Research limitations/implicationsAt present, the workstations can only be used as a “processor farm” and it is unclear how MPI type processing may be achieved, because there is no guarantee of the number of workstations available at any specific time.Practical implicationsAny institution requiring access to high performance computing can build a useful resource from existing computers at minimal cost. The usefulness of the resource depends on existing computers being under utilised.Originality/valueThe novel aspect of this work is that the facility was built using existing student computing laboratories.
Customer relationship management in higher education
Authors: Seeman Elaine D. , O'Hara Margaret 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore customer relationship management (CRM) in a higher education setting.Design/methodology/approachThe development and implementation of a CRM project in a state community college was examined as were the benefits realized by implementing CRM. As colleges increasingly embrace distance learning and e‐business, CRM will become stronger and more pervasive. Viewing students as customers provides a competitive advantage for higher education and enhances a college's ability to attract, retain and serve its customers. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with individuals involved with the planning, development and implementation of a statewide CIS system. Student support personnel were additionally interviewed.FindingsThe benefits of implementing CRM in a college setting include a student‐centric focus, improved customer data and process management, increased student loyalty, retention and satisfaction with the college's programs and services.Research limitations/implicationsThe entire community college system has not implemented the project. Rather, only the phase one colleges have implemented at this juncture.Originality/valueViewing students as customers provides a competitive advantage and enhances a college's ability to attract, retain and serve its customers. As colleges increasingly embrace distance learning and e‐business, CRM will become more pervasive.
Mobile phone applications in academic library services: a students' feedback survey
Authors: Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor , Hawa Darus Siti , Hussin Ramlah 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to explore the utilization of mobile phone services in the educational environment, explore the nature of mobile phone use among university students, and investigate the perception of university students on mobile phone uses in library and information services.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a review of literature to investigate about the nature of wireless phone application in education institution and a survey to collect data from 206 undergraduate students from two academic faculties in a Malaysian public university to explore the respondents' perception and the nature of wireless phone use.FindingsThe respondents' perceptions on the application of wireless hand services in the context of library and information services were found to be very positive. A high majority of the respondents indicated their willingness to become the users of such services if offered.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations in this study are related with the ability of the result to be generalized to other user groups. More research needs to be conducted on the interface design and retrieval to fit information in a much smaller application device that is also limited by a smaller bandwidth.Practical implicationsThe findings should assist information providers such as libraries and telecommunication service providers in designing the system that allows for effective access to various information and library services using mobile phones.Originality/valueThis study should be an eye opener for both the researcher and the practitioners that the wireless application services are still lacking, despite the increasing needs from the users.
Modelling routes towards learning goals
Authors: Tattersall Colin , Janssen José , van den Berg Bert , Koper Rob 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to define the need for a route modelling language in e‐learning, identifying requirements and candidate languages, before providing a recommended approach.Design/methodology/approachSeveral sources of requirements are drawn from the literature then used to review available approaches to route modelling. The best candidate is then applied in a number of case studies to check its applicability.FindingsAn existing open standard, IMS learning design, is identified as meeting the requirements. To date the standard has been applied in a different area, so the match to the route modelling problem is favorable.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the work excluded an examination of requirements arising in the lifecycle management of routes; further investigation should check this point.Practical implicationsPractical application is hampered by the lack of an appropriate e‐learning infrastructure in which to apply the approach. Pilot infrastructures should become available in the next 18 months to two years.Originality/valueThe work puts an existing e‐learning specification in a new light, avoiding the need to develop a new language. Since tools and experience with the specification are already available, prospects for its adoption in a new role are favorable.
Learning styles and online education
Authors: Zapalska Alina , Brozik Dallas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to recognize that individual learning styles must be taken into account in the instructional design template used in online education. The paper argues that when students' learning styles are identified, it is possible to define an appropriate context of learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies a set of instructional principles for online learning environments that are derived from multiple theories of learning with a consideration of different learning styles. The VARK questionnaire was used to determine learning styles of students who participated in two online courses. The VARK instrument identifies four distinct learning styles: visual (V); aural (A); reading/writing (R) and kinesthetic (K). These four dimensions are used to analyze the appropriateness of online learning structures.FindingsThe paper identifies teaching strategies in online courses while recognizing the four learning styles. The paper concludes that the achievement of online learning can be improved by providing instruction in a manner consistent with each student's learning style. However, it is important to keep in mind that, even if a specific student learns best in a certain way, he or she should be exposed to a variety of learning experiences to become a more versatile online learner.Originality/valueThe new result indicates that students with the auditory learning preference do not select online education as their first choice for learning. The combination of different techniques can make it possible for students with all types of learning styles to be successful in an online course.