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Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

M. Bilal Akbar, Nihar Amoncar, Erik Cateriano-Arévalo and Alison Lawson

Given the lack of understanding of social marketing success in theory and practice, this study aims to investigate how social marketing experts conceptualize success.

Abstract

Purpose

Given the lack of understanding of social marketing success in theory and practice, this study aims to investigate how social marketing experts conceptualize success.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, the authors conducted an open-ended online questionnaire with 48 worldwide social marketing experts, most with more than 20 years of experience in the field. The authors analyzed data using topic modeling, a machine-learning method that groups responses/terms into cluster topics based on similarities. Keywords in each topic served to generate themes for discussion.

Findings

While behavior change is mentioned as paramount to conceptualizing success, participants prefer to use more tangible and less complex forms to define/measure success, such as campaign recall uptick. In addition, lack of funding was considered an important factor in measuring success. This study provides a two-stage taxonomy to better understand success in social marketing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to conceptualize success in social marketing practice.

Details

Journal of Social Marketing, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6763

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2023

Patrik Vaněk

This paper aims to explore the ambiguity and limitations of measuring firm-level multinationality (FLM) using theoretical and empirical comparisons of existing methods. The paper…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ambiguity and limitations of measuring firm-level multinationality (FLM) using theoretical and empirical comparisons of existing methods. The paper puts forward a list of five key aspects that collectively serve as a tool for researchers to select the most appropriate method for future research and as a basis for the future development of methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the author reviews existing methods of measuring FLM and consolidates findings into five key aspects. Secondly, the author uses the aspects to compare existing methods theoretically, and subsequently, the author groups them into three distinct streams. Thirdly, the author compares existing methods across a sample of the 35 largest European MNEs by sales in 2020 to identify and demonstrate the ambiguity and limitations of these methods.

Findings

The author identifies the five key aspects of measuring FLM: framework, aggregation, segmentation, metrics and indicators. Using empirical comparison, the author empirically confirms the limitations highlighted in the literature and shows the differences and inconsistencies among methods, which cause confusion rather than clarity in the extant literature. Additionally, the author emphasises that three distinct streams further drive the debate on the regional/global nature and present further limitations of methods not mentioned in the literature to date.

Originality/value

This paper provides the most comprehensive review of the existing literature on FLM, resulting in five novel aspects of measuring FLM. The analysis of a sample of 35 European firms demonstrates and identifies the ambiguity and limitations of FLM-measuring methods.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Azemeraw Tadesse Mengistu and Roberto Panizzolo

This paper aims to identify and empirically analyze useful and applicable metrics for measuring and managing the sustainability performance of small and medium-sized enterprises…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and empirically analyze useful and applicable metrics for measuring and managing the sustainability performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective of the paper, potential metrics were adopted from previous research related to industrial sustainability and an empirical analysis was carried to assess the applicability of the metrics by collecting empirical data from Italian footwear SMEs using a structured questionnaire. The SMEs were selected using a convenience sampling method.

Findings

The results of the within-case analysis and the cross-case analysis indicate that the majority of the metrics were found to be useful and applicable to each of the SMEs and across the SMEs, respectively. These metrics emphasized measuring industrial sustainability performance related to financial benefits, costs and market competitiveness for the economic sustainability dimension; resources for the environmental sustainability dimension; and customers, employees and the community for the social sustainability dimension.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from the within-case analysis and cross-case analysis, it was not possible to conduct statistical analysis since a small number of SMEs were accessible to collect empirical data.

Originality/value

The findings of the paper have considerable academic, managerial and policy implications and will provide a theoretical basis for future research on measuring and managing industrial sustainability performance. By providing a set of empirically supported metrics based on the triple bottom line approach (i.e. economic, environmental and social metrics), this paper contributes to the existing knowledge in the field of industrial sustainability performance measurement.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2022

Yan Ning and Florence Yean Yng Ling

Project managers rely on control strategies to deliver excellent outputs. However, little is known about how clients' project managers select control strategies in projects which…

Abstract

Purpose

Project managers rely on control strategies to deliver excellent outputs. However, little is known about how clients' project managers select control strategies in projects which are knowledge-intensive and have intangible outputs. This study aims to examine how clients' project managers select project control strategies in professional service projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of 360 architectural and engineering (A/E) design projects was adopted. Data were analyzed through the hierarchical regression.

Findings

Both clients' knowledge of measuring outcomes and process uncertainty give rise to their project managers setting up behavior and social controls. Level of process uncertainty positively moderates the impact of client's knowledge of measuring outcomes on outcome control.

Research limitations/implications

This study mainly examined the client's knowledge of measuring outcomes and process uncertainties. Future studies could be conducted to expand the scope by including other contextual factors, for instance market and regulatory factors.

Practical implications

From the client side, if they want to simultaneously adopt outcome, behavior and social controls, they would need to increase their knowledge of measuring outcomes by adopting established assessment tools or appointing a third party to assist in design outcome evaluation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by showing that the level of intangibility of project outputs influences the types of control system which project managers adopt.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Heng Liu, Yonghua Lu, Haibo Yang, Lihua Zhou and Qiang Feng

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole…

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole components. This paper aims to propose an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique using the spatial triangulation method. The purpose of this paper is to design a specialized measurement system, specifically a spherically mounted retroreflector nest (SMR nest), equipped with two laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder as the core to achieve accurate distance measurements between the double holes.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop an efficient and accurate measurement system, the paper uses a combination of laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder within the SMR nest. The system is designed, implemented and tested to meet the requirements of precise distance measurement. Software and hardware components have been developed and integrated for validation.

Findings

The optical-based distance measurement system achieves high precision at 0.04 mm and repeatability at 0.02 mm within a range of 412.084 mm to 1,590.591 mm. These results validate its suitability for efficient assembly processes, eliminating repetitive errors in aircraft wing assembly.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique, as well as a unique design of a SMR nest and the introduction of two novel calibration techniques, all of which are validated by the developed software and hardware platform.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Zhanshe Guo, Xiangdang Liang and Sen Wang

This measuring system is designed to effectively simulate the mechanical reliability of the operated bone fixators. It can be used to pre-evaluate the mechanical performance of…

Abstract

Purpose

This measuring system is designed to effectively simulate the mechanical reliability of the operated bone fixators. It can be used to pre-evaluate the mechanical performance of the operated fixator on the patients, including the static mechanical properties and fatigue properties when the patient walks after the operation.

Design/methodology/approach

It is mainly composed of a one-dimensional platform, a force sensor, a high measuring precision displacement sensor and a servo motor. Loading (which is used to simulate the loading status of the fixators after the operation) of the system is realized by the rotation of the servo motor. It can be read by a high precision force sensor. The relative displacement of the broken bone is obtained by a high precision laser displacement sensor. Corresponding theoretical analysis is also carried out.

Findings

Calibrated results of the system indicate that the output voltage and the measured force of the force sensors possess an excellent linear relationship, and the calculated nonlinear error is just 0.0002%. The maximum relative displacement between the operated broken bone under 700 N axial force is about 1 mm. Fatigue test under 550 N loading for 85,000 cycles also indicates the feasibility of the design.

Originality/value

This device is successfully designed and fabricated to pre-evaluate the mechanical performance of the bone fixators. High precision force sensor and displacement sensor are used to successfully increase the measuring ability of the system. This will offer some help to pertinent researchers.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 43 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Narsymbat Salimgereyev, Bulat Mukhamediyev and Aijaz A. Shaikh

This study developed new measures of the routine and non-routine task contents of managerial, professional, technical, and clerical occupations from a workload perspective. Here…

Abstract

Purpose

This study developed new measures of the routine and non-routine task contents of managerial, professional, technical, and clerical occupations from a workload perspective. Here, we present a comparative analysis of the workload structures of state and industrial sector employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Our method involves detailed descriptions of work processes and an element-wise time study. We collected and analysed data to obtain a workload structure that falls within three conceptual task categories: (i) non-routine analytic tasks, (ii) non-routine interactive tasks and (iii) routine cognitive tasks. A total of 2,312 state and industrial sector employees in Kazakhstan participated in the study. The data were collected using a proprietary web application that resembles a timesheet.

Findings

The study results are consistent with the general trend reported by previous studies: the higher the job level, the lower the occupation’s routine task content. In addition, the routine cognitive task contents of managerial, professional, technical, and clerical occupations in the industrial sector are higher than those in local governments. The work of women is also more routinary than that of men. Finally, vthe routine cognitive task contents of occupations in administrative units are higher than those of occupations in substantive units.

Originality/value

Our study sought to address the challenges of using the task-based approach associated with measuring tasks by introducing a new measurement framework. The main advantage of our task measures is a direct approach to assessing workloads consisting of routine tasks, which allows for an accurate estimation of potential staff reductions due to the automation of work processes.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2022

Deepasri Prabhakar and Sudhakar Rajagopal

The concept of developing clothing sizes has taken importance in recent years due to increasing expectations of consumers for branded clothing and its value in terms of fit and…

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of developing clothing sizes has taken importance in recent years due to increasing expectations of consumers for branded clothing and its value in terms of fit and durability. The kids’ ready-to-wear brands are expected to pose the least fit issues, thereby covering a wider population of a particular size. This necessitates the standardization of measurements. The lack of standardized approaches has caused fit issues like mismatching of sizes and alterations, in a heterogenous consumer market, like India. The performance of branded apparel depends on the quality of the measurements considered in developing sizes and the approach for standardization. There is a lacuna in the measurements used by the kids’ apparel domestic brands. This study aims to propose an anthropometric approach for deriving quality measurements that can be used effectively in developing kids’ sizes to fit a wider population of kids, thereby reducing the need for alterations.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement data was gathered through the quantitative method. An anthropometric survey was conducted by measuring school kids. A total of 544 kids (girls and boys) of age group 6–8 years were measured to obtain prime anthropometric measurements required for ready-to-wear apparel production. WHO manual and ISO 8559, 1998 meant for anthropometry survey for garment industry was referred for accurate measuring following the landmarks for measuring.

Findings

The findings revealed differences in the anthropometric measurements based on gender and age. The anthropometric measurements showed variations within the same body mass index (BMI) range. S, M and L sizes were identified within an age group. The apparel manufacturers and designers need to focus on the discrepancies occurring in the body measurements of an age group to address and control fit issues in kids ready to wear apparel.

Practical implications

The anthropometric approach can be significantly used to control undesired fit and comfort issues in kids’ ready-to-wear apparel.

Originality/value

This study helped to understand the importance of scientific measuring practices to arrive at standardized measurements to develop sizes in ready-to-wear apparel manufacturing.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2023

Emiliya Ahmadova and Ayan Nabiyeva

The purpose of the current exploratory study is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the essence of impulse buying and postulate the drivers behind it for Azerbaijani…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the current exploratory study is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the essence of impulse buying and postulate the drivers behind it for Azerbaijani consumers who practice Islam. Though there are numerous factors that impact impulsive buyer tendencies, current empirical research focuses on demographic indicators and persona characteristics that influence impulsive buying, which are considered as internal factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research is exploratory and uses the quantitative research method. A total of 442 responses were collected from the surveys between April 6th and May 6th, 2022, with random sampling. The collected data was analyzed with the SPSS Statistics software and the SPSS AMOS 26 version. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to measure the reliability of the scales. The construct validity of the questionnaire was measured with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The correlation among variables was measured by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient. The structural equation model was run to determine the structural relationship between latent variables and test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

According to the regression weights, all the latent variables, excluding materialism, have a statistically significant impact on the impulsive buying tendency. Hedonic motivation and self-esteem have a positive relationship with hedonic buying tendency, while self-control is inversely related. In terms of the impact of demographic indicators on impulsive buying tendency, for Azerbaijani consumers, impulsive buying behavior, differs based on age, education and marital status. However, contrary to previous research, impulsive buying behavior does not change based on income level. However, based on the squared multiple correlations, the predictive power of the model is 24%.

Research limitations/implications

The current study measured the general impulsive behavior of the local population. Analyzing impulsive buyer behavior toward particular products or product categories might lead to different results. Therefore, other researchers can focus on studying impulsive buyer behavior toward different product categories.

Practical implications

Understanding consumer buyer behavior, including impulsive buyer behavior, is among extensively researched subjects. However, studies examining the state of impulsive buyer behavior in Azerbaijan and, most importantly, measuring the impact of the numerous factors behind it are lacking. The majority of the available empirical research in Azerbaijan analyzes consumer behavior from a different perspective. However, none of them approaches it from the perspective of analyzing and measuring impulsive buying. Hence, understanding the motivations behind impulse buying behavior can benefit both businesses and consumers, though for contrasting reasons. The former can use the data to determine the triggers for impulse buying, while the latter can be more conscious of their purchasing behavior to avoid unfavorable financial consequences. The primary implication for businesses is that they will be equipped with empirical evidence on which factors and to what extent they influence consumer buying behavior. Subsequently, they can use it while developing marketing and customer relationship strategies.

Originality/value

There are countless studies focused on defining and measuring impulsive buyer behavior; however, there is a gap in measuring the impulsive buyer behavior of Muslim consumers and, most importantly, understanding the underlying factors. In addition, empiric research examining the state of impulsive buyer behavior of local Muslim consumers in Azerbaijan and, most importantly, measuring the impact of numerous factors behind it is absent. The majority of the available empirical research in Azerbaijan analyzes consumer behavior from a different perspective. However, none of them approaches it from the perspective of analyzing and measuring impulsive buying. The current study analyzes the impact of consumers’ hedonic motivations, materialist values, ability to retain self-control and psychological state on their impulse buying tendency.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2021

Olufisayo Adewumi Adedokun, Temitope Egbelakin, Deborah Oluwafunke Adedokun and Johnson Adafin

Despite the huge capital outlay in tertiary education building projects (TEBP), these projects undoubtedly failed in meeting the set objectives of cost, time and quality, among…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the huge capital outlay in tertiary education building projects (TEBP), these projects undoubtedly failed in meeting the set objectives of cost, time and quality, among others. Therefore, rather than the impacts of risks on the overall project performance, which is common in the construction management literature, the purpose of this study is to assess the impacts of risk factors on the criteria for measuring the success of public TEBP.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted a quantitative research method where the data collection was via a questionnaire survey. The researcher administered 452 questionnaires to the client representatives, consultants and contractors involved in building projects across five public tertiary education institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria. Of 452 questionnaires, 279 were retrieved and suitable for the analysis, translating to a 61.73% response rate. The reliability analysis of the research instrument showed 0.965 and 0.807, via Cronbach’s alpha test, indicating high reliability of the instrument used for data collection.

Findings

The study found different risk factors affecting the criteria for measuring the success of TEBP. For instance, the environmental risk factor significantly impacted completion to cost, while financial and political risk factors significantly impacted completion to time. In addition, while environmental, legal and management risks significantly impacted end-user satisfaction, safety performance was significantly impacted by logistic, legal, design, construction, political and management risks. Besides, the logistic, legal, design, construction, financial, political and management risk factors impacted profit. However, despite profit being one of the criteria for measuring the success of building projects, it recorded the highest risk impacts amounting to 41% variance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to the public tertiary education building projects procured via competitive tendering; therefore, the results might differ when considering other procurement methods.

Practical implications

The practical implication is that rather than focusing on all risk factors, the project stakeholders could give adequate attention to the significant risk factors impacting each of the parameters for measuring the success of education building projects.

Originality/value

The study revealed specific risk factors impacting the criteria for measuring the success of TEBP, which extend beyond the use of the overall project performance approach.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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