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1 – 10 of over 43000C.M. Clarke‐Hill T. and J. Bailey
The article is based on research carried out in 1995 on a sample of UK‐based retailers that were involved in international joint ventures and international buying alliances. The…
Abstract
The article is based on research carried out in 1995 on a sample of UK‐based retailers that were involved in international joint ventures and international buying alliances. The research identified the differences and comparison between these forms of alliances in terms of the competencies and skills that were being transferred between members of the alliances. The findings suggest that joint venture relationships appear to be closer and of a more strategic nature in achieving competitive advantage than buying alliances. Joint ventures appear to make a greater contribution to product strategy and learning than do alliances. However, little difference was found between the two alliance forms in terms of skill transfers.
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R.A. MA Forrester, B. Farrington and M Sc FlnstPS
The lack of negotiating skills is one of the weakest points in the armoury of the retail buyer, our authors assert, and this is largely because the buyer has never received any…
Abstract
The lack of negotiating skills is one of the weakest points in the armoury of the retail buyer, our authors assert, and this is largely because the buyer has never received any instruction in it. But negotiation training can be provided—and this article explains how.
Jose M. Barrutia, Mario R. Paredes and Carmen Echebarria
Based on service-dominant logic (SDL) and related perspectives, which suggest that value is co-created through the integration of resources, the purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on service-dominant logic (SDL) and related perspectives, which suggest that value is co-created through the integration of resources, the purpose of this study is to propose a model which considers two value co-creation sources: firm resources, in the form of process electronic-service quality (ESQ) and outcome ESQ, and consumer resources, as represented by consumer expertise and its antecedents (i.e. social expertise and Internet skills). The effect of product type on the relationship between both co-creation sources, and the value is analyzed.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a post-positivist approach. The study begins with cause and effect thinking to build a literature-driven model. Subsequently, pre-existent measures are adapted to the research context, and a Web-based questionnaire is built. The survey administration process yields 1,024 usable responses from Spanish Internet shoppers. To analyze the validity and reliability of the proposed scales and test the relationships hypothesized, the multivariate statistical techniques confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are used.
Findings
For low-outlay/high-frequency (LO/HF) products, consumers rely more on their own resources, and expertise is more important than process and outcome quality. For high-outlay/low-frequency (HO/LF) products, however, firm resources have a stronger impact.
Practical implications
The study findings may be useful to design e-commerce strategies combining specific ESQ and expertise-related policies according to the type of product offered by the e-service provider.
Originality/value
The empirical study reported here confers similar salience to both consumer resources and firm resources to explain value perception, which is unusual. This is the first study addressed to explain perceived value in a business-to-consumer e-commerce context by jointly considering firm resources (process ESQ and outcome ESQ), consumer resources (expertise) and product type. The moderating effect of product type is consistent with insights from prior marketing research but counterintuitive. It could be thought that expertise should be more important for HO/LF products, which is contrary to the results of this study.
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The geographic, economic and social mobility of people today requires that many must be able to adapt or adopt various life styles in accordance with their surroundings and…
Abstract
The geographic, economic and social mobility of people today requires that many must be able to adapt or adopt various life styles in accordance with their surroundings and integrity. Today, many people need to be multi‐cultural so they can succeed and survive in ethnic, commercial and other milieux in rapid sequence, often each day. A Canadian Life Skills programme has been designed to help such people adopt a problem solving approach to managing their lives.
Ernesto Tavoletti, Niloofar Kazemargi, Corrado Cerruti, Cecilia Grieco and Andrea Appolloni
This paper contains an exploratory analysis of the business model innovations (BMIs) that management consulting firms (MCFs) undertake to remain competitive during digital…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper contains an exploratory analysis of the business model innovations (BMIs) that management consulting firms (MCFs) undertake to remain competitive during digital transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses data from a longitudinal multiple case study of the European practices of major global MCFs to provide an overview of how they reconfigure their business model (BM) to gain competitive advantages. It maps BMIs in MCFs through value creation innovation, value proposition innovation and value capturing innovation.
Findings
There is a shift in value proposition from solely giving advice or supporting information technology (IT) implementation to providing end-to-end digital solutions. To materialize value propositions, MCFs acquire new knowledge and digital assets through talent scouting, and mergers and acquisitions (M&As). MCFs rely heavily on complementary knowledge and capabilities of actors within ecosystems; thus, they focus on expanding, creating their ecosystems and adopting platforms' configuration and characteristics.
Research limitations/implications
Inductively, the authors reached an analytical generalization through six propositions and a theoretical frame that embeds propositions in the previous literature. Future research should test them across the overall management consulting industry.
Practical implications
MCFs are recognized as drivers of innovation and BMIs in most client firms. However, MCFs are rarely analyzed with respect to their BMIs. Understanding how MCFs innovate their business models (BMs) to provide digital transformation (DT) consulting services is relevant for delivering management innovation across industries.
Originality/value
This is the first exploratory study on BMI inside global MCFs during DT.
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The purpose of this paper was to consider 52 conceptual frameworks identified during a systematic literature review with the aim of providing insights into various aspects of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to consider 52 conceptual frameworks identified during a systematic literature review with the aim of providing insights into various aspects of outsourcing relationships. Many authors propose these frameworks to contribute to our understanding of how outsourcing relationships are conceived, operate and evolve. A meta-analysis of these frameworks was completed.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach consisted of five stages: a systematic, but focused literature review to identify relevant frameworks; a study of the selected frameworks to enable the design of a typology of framework styles, so that frameworks adopting similar styles can be compared and analysed; grouping of the frameworks into families addressing different aspects of relationships as they form, operate and evolve; using the types (from the typology) within these family groups to facilitate a meta-analysis of each group by identifying common or contrasting themes; and deriving overall observations and identifying the most robust frameworks in each group.
Findings
Nine framework types are identified and named as nominal categorisation, matrix, pyramid, dependency, interaction, flowchart, two-dimensional progression, life cycle and stepped. Five logical family groups were identified addressing how relationships form, operate and evolve. These groups cover the scope of outsourcing relationship, the relationship governance, the climate of the relationship, relationship tactics and relationship evolution. Common themes were identified, and overall observations were drawn. Recommendations are also provided on the frameworks which were assessed as being most robust and likely to be of most use to practitioners and researchers.
Research limitations/implications
The study considered a representative sample of frameworks identified during a systematic review of literature relating to outsourcing relationships. However, it cannot be considered fully comprehensive, and frameworks from other sources also exist.
Practical implications
Outsourcing success depends on the establishment and management of a constructive relationship between the client and supplier. Frameworks assist understanding of this important aspect of outsourcing.
Originality/value
This paper provides a reference point for scholars and practitioners who are interested in outsourcing relationships and may value the sources identified and the summaries, comparisons and recommendations provided.
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A self‐help guide to achieving success in business. Directed more towards the self‐employed, it is relevant to other managers in organizations. Divided into clear sections on…
Abstract
A self‐help guide to achieving success in business. Directed more towards the self‐employed, it is relevant to other managers in organizations. Divided into clear sections on creativity and dealing with change; importance of clear goal setting; developing winning business and marketing strategies; negotiating skills; leadership; financial skills; and time management.
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Munazza Mahmood, Syeda Hina Batool, Muhammad Rafiq and Muhammad Safdar
The present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.
Findings
Results revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.
Research limitations/implications
These observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.
Originality/value
The present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.
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Natalie Brici, Chris Hodkinson and Gillian Sullivan‐Mort
There have been recent calls for research into the impulse shopping behaviours of adolescent consumers – an important topic because adolescents are: an increasingly important…
Abstract
Purpose
There have been recent calls for research into the impulse shopping behaviours of adolescent consumers – an important topic because adolescents are: an increasingly important market segment; a segment which has recently been empowered by the availability of easy credit; and which is increasingly targeted by strategic marketing collateral. This paper responds to the call by aiming to focus on the impulse shopping behaviours of adolescents.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is qualitative in nature and utilises lengthy mini focus group interviews of both adolescent and adult consumer shoppers. The verbatim transcriptions are then subjected to both manual and automated textual analysis to derive conceptual and thematic maps of each group's discussions in relation to impulse shopping.
Findings
Consistent with recent neuropsychological literature on adolescents, the findings show clear differences between adolescents and adults in relation to impulse shopping. Significant differences were found in the areas of antecedent moods, shopping purpose, and the range of perceived constraints which may moderate impulse shopping behaviour. The research also shows that impulse buying among adolescents is a behaviour which is undertaken often in response to stress and/or a need for mood amelioration and further that their conceptualisation of impulse shopping is only distantly related to a deficient set of perceived constraints when compared to adult shoppers.
Practical implications
This improved understanding of the bases of adolescent impulse shopping will assist in the design of educational programs to reduce the frequency of adolescent financial problems.
Social implications
There may be a reduction in the number of adolescents facing resultant financial hardship.
Originality/value
This is the first such study which reports the belief structures of adolescent impulse shoppers versus adults.
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