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Article
Publication date: 31 January 2020

Arch G. Woodside, Marylouise Caldwell and Jennifer Rebecca Calhoun

This study defines service breakdowns, service breakdown prevention, and “servicide” as they relate to service-dominant logic. The study reviews relevant relevant literature on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study defines service breakdowns, service breakdown prevention, and “servicide” as they relate to service-dominant logic. The study reviews relevant relevant literature on these three topics. This study categorizes real-life examples into five levels of dramatic turns toward service degradations and breakdowns that range from customer being aware but not mentioning service inadequacy to the service breakdown resulting in death of the customer or service provider. Taking initial steps in developing dramatic turn theory and improving the practice of service breakdown prevention are the major contributions of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a conceptual contribution that includes a dramatic turn role-playing exercise (at category 4 among five categories of dramatic turns for pedagogical/on-site enacting/practicing and training of service professionals. The study emphasizes and shows how to create and enact role-playing scenarios to increase requisite variety, provide training modules and increase skills/expertise in service enactment contexts.

Findings

Before explicit reviewing of the dramatic-turn performances, some of the participants as actors as well as audience members in role-play dramatic turns were quick to blame the customer behavior as the principal cause for the service breakdown. The study’s exposition stresses prevention of negative dramatic turns follows from experiencing and coaching a wide variety of customer and server interactions – achieving “richness” in enactments.

Research limitations/implications

Research on service breakdown prevention needs to include field experiments on the efficacy of training programs for effective management of dramatic turns.

Practical implications

Training of service workers and service managers in experiencing/participating in dramatic turns is likely to be beneficial in reducing the severe adverse outcomes and unintended consequences of service breakdowns. Prevention, not only service failure recovery, needs to be an explicit focus in hospitality management training and assessment.

Social implications

This study suggests tools and procedures to reduce the instances of the need for service breakdown recoveries.

Originality/value

The study calls attention and contributes a way forward in managing dramatic turns in hospitality service contexts. The study provides a nascent configurational theoretical foundation of dramatic-turn propositions. Given the severity of financial costs and loss of brand/firm reputation following the occurrence of extreme dramatic turns, a research focus on service breakdown prevention is necessary.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2006

This article describes the dramatic turn‐around achieved at a UK toiletries and cosmetics plant which, once faced with closure, is now described by Procter & Gamble as one of its

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Abstract

Purpose

This article describes the dramatic turn‐around achieved at a UK toiletries and cosmetics plant which, once faced with closure, is now described by Procter & Gamble as one of its best suppliers, with a P&G audit score of 100 percent.

Design/methodology/approach

Concentrates on the role of training in changing the organizational culture at Creative Outsourcing Solutions International Ltd's manufacturing site at Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK.

Findings

Details how, as a result of the training, the confidence of employees has increased and it has become normal practice for employees to be involved in decision making and problem solving. The company has increased its customer base and turnover, and reduced its inventory by 53 percent.

Practical implications

Demonstrates that the company has established training and learning as part of the solution and not a luxury, and has more employees who can participate in and drive improvement initiatives.

Originality/value

Shows how the training has created a solid foundation for learning on the site.

Details

Human Resource Management International Digest, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-0734

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2000

Qingliang Tang and Amy Lau

Compares China‘s financial reporting systems before and after the reforms of 1993, which is seen as a dramatic turning point. Analyses the economic factors driving accounting…

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Abstract

Compares China‘s financial reporting systems before and after the reforms of 1993, which is seen as a dramatic turning point. Analyses the economic factors driving accounting reforms and examines in more detail the influence of the developing capital market and increasing foreign investment. Tabulates the differences between the format, contents and types of financial statements and disclosures and financial ratios, before and after reform. Gives examples of some remaining problems, summarizes the key features of the new system and urges Chinese accountants and policy makers to adjust Western principles and systems to the unique environment of China.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Juho Hamari and Max Sjöblom

The purpose of this paper is to investigate why do people spectate eSports on the internet. The authors define eSports (electronic sports) as “a form of sports where the primary…

59051

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate why do people spectate eSports on the internet. The authors define eSports (electronic sports) as “a form of sports where the primary aspects of the sport are facilitated by electronic systems; the input of players and teams as well as the output of the eSports system are mediated by human-computer interfaces.” In more practical terms, eSports refer to competitive video gaming (broadcasted on the internet).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the motivations scale for sports consumption which is one of the most widely applied measurement instruments for sports consumption in general. The questionnaire was designed and pre-tested before distributing to target respondents (n=888). The reliability and validity of the instrument both met the commonly accepted guidelines. The model was assessed first by examining its measurement model and then the structural model.

Findings

The results indicate that escapism, acquiring knowledge about the games being played, novelty and eSports athlete aggressiveness were found to positively predict eSport spectating frequency.

Originality/value

During recent years, eSports (electronic sports) and video game streaming have become rapidly growing forms of new media in the internet driven by the growing provenance of (online) games and online broadcasting technologies. Today, hundreds of millions of people spectate eSports. The present investigation presents a large study on gratification-related determinants of why people spectate eSports on the internet. Moreover, the study proposes a definition for eSports and further discusses how eSports can be seen as a form of sports.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1992

Lewis D. Solomon

I. Introduction For over forty years, a model for Third World development has gained widespread acceptance. Three key premises underpin the traditional development model: (1) the…

Abstract

I. Introduction For over forty years, a model for Third World development has gained widespread acceptance. Three key premises underpin the traditional development model: (1) the identification of “development” with the maximization of the rate of national economic growth; (2) the quest to achieve Western living standards and levels of industrialization which require the transfer of labor from the agricultural to the industrial sector as well as increased consumerism; and (3) the integration into the interdependence of Third World nations in the global economy and the global marketplace. Increasing the demand for a Third World nation's exports (in other words, export‐led growth) is viewed as leading to the maximization of a nation's Gross National Product (GNP).

Details

Humanomics, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2010

Jan Nolin and Fredrik Åström

LIS has been described as a fragmented field in crisis, with an increased competition from other fields; and lacking in development of theories. The purpose of this paper is to…

5444

Abstract

Purpose

LIS has been described as a fragmented field in crisis, with an increased competition from other fields; and lacking in development of theories. The purpose of this paper is to articulate a strategy in which the perceived weakness can be seen as a source of strength.

Design/methodology/approach

The text builds mostly on reflections on meta‐theoretical and science‐organisation literature. Ten distinct problems for the research field are identified and discussed in order to provide a viable strategy for the future.

Findings

While it is common to suggest a convergent movement toward the idealised characteristics of the strong research discipline as a recipe against fragmentation, a strong convergent movement is suggested that feeds off the fragmented character of the field. What is commonly perceived as a weakness, the multidimensional character of the field, can be translated into a strategic resource.

Originality/value

The paper provides a fresh perspective on the strategic situation of LIS.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 66 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

Mary Low, Howard Davey and Janet Davey

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a professional accountants' Institute has projected its changing professional identity through its annual reports. Extensive research…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a professional accountants' Institute has projected its changing professional identity through its annual reports. Extensive research has shown that the annual report is one of an organization's most important documents to communicate with stakeholders. The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants celebrated its centenary year in 2008. It is therefore timely to explore how this influential professional institute has projected its evolving identity to its stakeholders over 100 years of annual reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a content analysis of archival records. The type of information and the manner of presentation via textual information and visual images in the Institute's annual reports are used to track a changing professional identity.

Findings

The analysis did not find any definitive statements of professional identity by the professional accountants' Institute. Early annual reports used a singular visual image to project authenticity. Increasing use ansd complexity of visual images and mission/vision statements projected an identity of expertise, integrity and global relevance, paralleling the impacts of globalization and advances in technology. The last decade of the Institute's annual reports reveals a sophisticated use of visual images and printing to enhance textual information. This marked a dramatic turn in the projection of professional identity whilst retaining the communication of a basic reality and professional traits to its members and stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper is valuable as few other research studies have investigated the projection of changing professional identities via identity statements and visual imagery in annual reports.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2020

Mathieu Gerber, Guillaume Callerant, Christophe Espanet, Farid Meibody-Tabar and Noureddine Takorabet

The purpose of this paper is to study the high-frequency impacts of fast switching wide-bandgap transistors on electronic and motor designs. The high-frequency power converters…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the high-frequency impacts of fast switching wide-bandgap transistors on electronic and motor designs. The high-frequency power converters, dedicated to driving high-speed motors, require specific models to design predictively electronic and motors.

Design/methodology/approach

From magnetic and electric models, the high-frequency parasitic elements for both electronics and motor are determined. Then, high-frequency circuit models accounting for of parasitic element extractions are built to study the wide bandgap transistors commutations and their impacts on motor windings.

Findings

The results of the models, for electronics and motors, are promising. The high-frequency commutation cell study is used to optimize the layouts and to improve the commutation behaviours and performances. The impact of the switching speed is highlighted on the winding voltage susceptibility. Then, the switching frequency and commutation rapidity can be both optimized to increase the performance of motor and electronics. The electronic model is validated by experimentations.

Research limitations/implications

The method can be only applied to the existing motor and electronic designs. It is not taken into account in an automized global high-frequency optimizer.

Originality/value

Helped by magnetic and electric FEA calculations where the parasitic element extractions are performed. The switching frequency and commutation rapidity can be both optimized to increase the performance of motor and electronics.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1999

Peter Geib

The aim of this research is to evaluate effective U.S. organization and management strategies in Vietnam's transition economy. The goal is to show effective organizational…

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate effective U.S. organization and management strategies in Vietnam's transition economy. The goal is to show effective organizational planning in terms of international firm structure as well as market entry strategies. Vietnam's economic reforms initiated in 1987 have created an important emerging market increasingly integrated with the Southeast Asian Political‐Economic system. The research fulfills several scholarly needs. It fulfills a need for information on the transition of a centralized command economy to a market economy. It also fulfills a need for an evaluation of effective management strategies including localization, training and development, relationship marketing, and niche marketing.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

Sanja Kutnjak Ivkovic´ and Maria R. Haberfeld

During the last decade Croatia and Poland underwent a period of major political transformation from communist regimes to democratic forms of government. Although their police…

Abstract

During the last decade Croatia and Poland underwent a period of major political transformation from communist regimes to democratic forms of government. Although their police forces function within similar political frameworks, their operational agendas are somewhat different. Due to the differences in social and economic environments, as well as the recent war in Croatia, the challenges the two police forces faced in the transition period varied substantially. This paper analyzes and compares the processes of change encountered by the two law enforcement agencies.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

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