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1 – 10 of 84D.S. Lubbe, E. Raubenheimer and R. Britz
The amendement of the carriculum for the so‐called four‐year LLB degree that has been presented at universities since 1998 put great pressure on faculties of law at that time…
Abstract
The amendement of the carriculum for the so‐called four‐year LLB degree that has been presented at universities since 1998 put great pressure on faculties of law at that time, because they had to reflect on the curriculum for the degree over a relatively short period. Legal Accounting was one of the courses that were probably included by most universities as optional subjects in the curriculum and no longer as a compulsory subject as the situation used to be for the BProc degree. However, the admission examination for attorneys still includes an examination paper on Legal Accounting. Therefore an increasing number of students have to sit for this examination without having attended a course in Legal Accounting. In the light of this situation, two research projects were undertaken in 1997 to determine the views of attorneys and prospective attorneys on accounting training for the two groups. As three years have passed and persons with the four‐year LLB degree are entering the legal profession, it was decided to repeat the project to determine whether the views of the two groups of respondents had changed since the previous project. In this article, the views of the practising attorneys and prospective attorneys are discussed and compared with the results of the 1997 project.
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Alain Yee-Loong Chong, Keng-Boon Ooi, Haijun Bao and Binshan Lin
The aim of this research paper is to evaluate the effect of knowledge management on the adoption of the e-business in the supply chain of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research paper is to evaluate the effect of knowledge management on the adoption of the e-business in the supply chain of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were distributed to 200 Malaysian SMEs with a response rate of 68 percent. Data were analyzed by employing multiple regression analysis.
Findings
The results showed that knowledge management processes such as knowledge acquisition and knowledge application are significant in affecting Malaysian SMEs' decision to adopt e-business in their supply chain. Knowledge dissemination was found not to be significant in affecting the adoption of e-business among Malaysian SMEs.
Practical implications
This study has addressed the previous lack of literature on the relationship between knowledge management processes and e-business adoption among Malaysian SMEs.
Originality/value
Although existing literature has shown a relationship between knowledge management processes and technology adoption, this study empirically verifies an adoption model based on knowledge management processes. SMEs can use this model to do a pre-test baseline measurement and reassessment of effect by any KM changes on e-business adoption periodically. Organizations planning to adopt e-business would also be able to apply strategies based on the findings from this research.
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Paul Harrigan, Elaine Ramsey and Patrick Ibbotson
Entrepreneurial marketing in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is very different to marketing prescribed theoretically for large organisations. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial marketing in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is very different to marketing prescribed theoretically for large organisations. The purpose of this paper is to present research evidence on the impact of internet‐based technologies (IBTs) on the customer relationship management (CRM) activities (i.e. e‐CRM) of SMEs in Ireland.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods approach incorporating an online questionnaire, qualitative in‐depth interviews and projective techniques was adopted. Factor analysis was carried out on 286 respondents, which led to communication with customers and the management of customer information being distilled as key areas within e‐CRM in SMEs.
Findings
To varying extents, SMEs are adopting relatively simple IBTs to improve customer communication and information management capabilities and to create competitive advantage through e‐CRM. SMEs find the communication aspect of e‐CRM easier, but struggle to integrate customer information into their decision making. In all, e‐CRM tends to be ad hoc rather than strategic in SMEs.
Practical implications
SMEs must use technologies to compete with larger organisations in today's global marketplace. These technologies may be relatively simple, but the focus must always be on how they can impact on the relationship with the customer making it more efficient without losing effectiveness.
Originality/value
This study, by reporting how SMEs innovate in marketing, sheds light on an important theoretical and practical area. Theoretically, the paper breaks down e‐CRM into key capabilities that may apply to larger organisations as well.
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Claudia Stoian Bobalca, Oana Ţugulea, Mihaela Ifrim and Liviu-George Maha
As satisfaction is one of the most important conditions for loyalty, this study aims to investigate the main factors affecting online satisfaction for buying clothes from the…
Abstract
Purpose
As satisfaction is one of the most important conditions for loyalty, this study aims to investigate the main factors affecting online satisfaction for buying clothes from the internet. In this research, the authors followed two main objectives: (1) to identify factors influencing online satisfaction and (2) to determine the importance of the main determinants that explain online satisfaction in the retailing clothing sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The research combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. The authors used the focus group technique and a survey based on a questionnaire. For the first exploratory phase of the research, we conducted four focus groups with 21 women, 18–39 years old, who have at least two years experiences as online buyers and who made at least two acquisitions for clothing products in the past six months, from the same website. The purpose of this qualitative method was to understand the young women's perception about online satisfaction and to collect items to be included in the questionnaire. For the second quantitative phase of this study, the sample consisted of 241 participants. To analyse the data, two different types of inferential analysis were used: factor analysis (for identifying the factors that compose online customer satisfaction) and analysis of regression (to determine the most important factors that determine and predict online buyers' satisfaction).
Findings
The main results indicate that the significant factors determining a satisfactory experience in an e-retailing market are: good deal (savings), product expectations, customer service and website reputation.
Originality/value
The study is more relevant in the current pandemic context, when the consumer’s behaviour has changed and online shopping has substantially increased. The research can be used by companies that sell clothing on the internet and are interested in increasing their financial results and also their customers' satisfaction.
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Savvas Papagiannidis, Eleonora Pantano, Eric W.K. See-To, Charles Dennis and Michael Bourlakis
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of users’ simulated experience in a virtual store and to show the subsequent impact of that experience on engagement. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of users’ simulated experience in a virtual store and to show the subsequent impact of that experience on engagement. The outcome of that engagement is examined in relation to enjoyment, satisfaction and purchase intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
The method comprised an experiment comparing users’ perceptions of a standard 2D online clothing store with an enhanced, immersive one that aimed to provide shopping value approaching that of a traditional store by using a 3D experience where participants wore special glasses and a data glove.
Findings
Results demonstrate the major role of telepresence components in simulated experience and the critical role of that experience, along with hedonic and utilitarian values, in engagement. Purchase intention is influenced by satisfaction, which is in turn influenced by enjoyment and engagement. Engagement in turn is influenced by utilitarian and hedonic value and the experience of product simulation or telepresence, which is composed of control, colour and graphics vividness, and 3D authenticity. In the immersive, 3D environment, experience is more associated with engagement and enjoyment, leading to greater purchase intention. The immersive, 3D environment, thus, has the potential to rival traditional shopping in terms of experience, resulting in higher sales for retailers and satisfaction for consumers.
Originality/value
This work has evaluated a robust model of purchase intention and demonstrated it to hold not only in a 3D environment on a conventional computer platform, but also in an immersive one, where participants wear special glasses and a data glove.
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Owing to the sharp refocus among Taiwanese companies away from a product‐centric approach towards a customer‐centric approach, many companies have invested heavily in customer…
Abstract
Purpose
Owing to the sharp refocus among Taiwanese companies away from a product‐centric approach towards a customer‐centric approach, many companies have invested heavily in customer relationship management (CRM) systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether such an investment generates the anticipated benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses survey methods among public companies in Taiwan to examine the degree to which CRM implementation impacts upon customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Findings
Firms which pay more attention to a customer‐centric approach can benefit significantly from the implementation of CRM systems. There were no differences in the degree or focus of implementation attributable to industry differences.
Research limitations/implications
The results are subject to the normal limitations associated with survey research, and may not be generalisable outside Taiwan.
Practical implications
The paper has significant implications for management decision making in terms of the disposal of resources to pursue customer‐related strategies.
Originality/value
The paper has significant practical implications for companies in Taiwan.
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Hazel C.V. Traüffer, Corné Bekker, Mihai Bocârnea and Bruce E. Winston
The purpose of this paper is to operationalize the concept of discernment and to present an instrument to measure it.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to operationalize the concept of discernment and to present an instrument to measure it.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach takes the form of a mixed‐method exploratory design that relied on principal component analyses and internal consistency performed on the resultant data set from a pool of items developed from the literature, as well as from a panel of experts. The investigation employed in‐depth interviews conducted with eight purposively selected leaders about their decision‐making processes and augmented the findings with data from 240 leaders, generated via an online survey.
Findings
The result is a three‐factor self‐rating instrument that measures courage, intuition, and faith, with Cronbach alpha values of 0.85, 0.89, and 0.85, respectively. These three factors appear to operationalize the concept of discernment.
Research limitations/implications
While the conceptual definition of the construct has merit, its completeness is subject to debate. If the conceptualization were incomplete, the results of the study would provide only a marginal understanding of the phenomenon. Moreover, an operational definition based on an incomplete conceptualization will fail to generate theory‐oriented propositions. Additional research is needed to establish population norms.
Practical implications
The study contributes to the ongoing task of appropriating spirituality in organizational life, demonstrates that discernment has value in contemporary leadership and organizational praxis, and provides an instrument for self‐evaluation by leaders as to how well each leader engages in discernment. The instrument offers a leadership development tool to help identify high or low discernment.
Originality/value
The study is original and makes the foundational contribution for a beginning stream of research.
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Jenny Raubenheimer and John van Niekerk
Considers the changes that have taken place, particularly during the past two years, and the impact that these changes have had on the interlending and document supply field in…
Abstract
Considers the changes that have taken place, particularly during the past two years, and the impact that these changes have had on the interlending and document supply field in terms of the use of the service by libraries, the quality of the service, bridging the information and digital divide, players in the field, access to information and overlapping services. The focus is on South Africa, but information and experiences from other countries have been used to illustrate the South African situation.
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Jenny Raubenheimer and John Stephen van Niekerk
– The purpose of this paper is to review interlending development in South Africa and current trends in interlending.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review interlending development in South Africa and current trends in interlending.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature study and survey.
Findings
Interlending is still an essential service in South Africa. Interlending systems must be used effectively to ensure rapid delivery of requested interlibrary loans. There is a significant use of WorldShare ILL, but there is a scope for substantial development.
Research limitations/implications
This is not a comprehensive study but focusses on current interlending activities at some of the larger South African academic and special libraries and the use of Online Computer Library Centre systems.
Practical implications
The paper provides some historical information and the extent of current interlending and systems used.
Social implications
The paper gives an indication of the value of interlending in South Africa and its contribution to information provision.
Originality/value
The paper provides a snapshot of interlending in South Africa and areas for development.
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Janette Raubenheimer and Patrick Ngulube
The purpose of this paper is to gain original evidence of the perception of Open Distance Learning (ODL) library middle managers towards the meaning of career success from the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain original evidence of the perception of Open Distance Learning (ODL) library middle managers towards the meaning of career success from the perspective of the individual.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative research study was conducted with the help of a survey questionnaire designed by the first researcher.
Findings
Results revealed that career success no longer only relates to criteria such as the hierarchical position or progression through high ratings obtained during performance appraisal. A high premium is placed by ODL library middle managers on other success criteria identified in the literature, such as the positive effect of their work on the institution, success achieved through a focus on work life and home life balance and personal recognition due to competence.
Research limitations/implications
The research findings presented in this paper form an important part of a comprehensive study on ODL library middle management development but is limited to the only ODL library in South Africa.
Practical implications
The paper provides current perceptions of ODL library middle managers to be considered during career path planning.
Originality/value
The paper provides the first findings of an overview of the perception of South African ODL library middle managers towards the meaning of career success. The study is timely as the number of ODL institutions is growing. The target population to benefit from this study is ODL library practitioners.
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