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Book part
Publication date: 11 February 2022

Sara Austin

The Wicked Queen in both the Grimm and Disney versions of Snow White exists as a cautionary tale of female vanity. Despite these nefarious beginnings, contemporary versions of the…

Abstract

The Wicked Queen in both the Grimm and Disney versions of Snow White exists as a cautionary tale of female vanity. Despite these nefarious beginnings, contemporary versions of the character in children's and young adult fiction reimagine the Wicked Queen as pitiable. She is still a villain, but her actions are explained as the result of loneliness, parental abuse, and a persistent belief that she is not beautiful enough to be worthy of love. This change in the Wicked Queen's motivations from innate to circumstantial is reflected in the tagline for Valentino's Disney Villains series, ‘Evil Is Made, Not Born’. My reading of these new sympathetic depictions of the Wicked Queen builds on Cristina Santos's discussion of patriarchy and reproduction, as well as other critical discussions of fairy tales and gendered bodies. Focusing specifically on the magic mirror as metaphor, I discuss these new depictions of the Wicked Queen in the context of body dysmorphia. While these novels undo the good/bad and maiden/crone dichotomies of the fairy tale, these readings also shift much of the blame for the Wicked Queen's actions from innate failings of her gender (vanity) to the cultural structures surrounding female body image (dysmorphia). As contemporary reworkings of fairy tales seek to disrupt these narrative patterns and move away from harmful portrayals of gender, sexuality, aging, and physical disability, they risk falling into existing patterns linking mental illness to violence or evil.

Details

Gender and Female Villains in 21st Century Fairy Tale Narratives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-565-4

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 October 2015

Md Nuruzzaman

The objective of this study is to investigate how country risk, different political actions from the government and bureaucratic behavior influence the activities in industry…

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate how country risk, different political actions from the government and bureaucratic behavior influence the activities in industry supply chains (SCs) in emerging markets. The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of these external stakeholders’ elements to the demand-side and supply-side drivers and barriers for improving competitiveness of Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in the way of analyzing supply chain. Considering the phenomenon of recent change in the RMG business environment and the competitiveness issues this study uses the principles of stakeholder and resource dependence theory and aims to find out some factors which influence to make an efficient supply chain for improving competitiveness. The RMG industry of Bangladesh is the case application of this study. Following a positivist paradigm, this study adopts a two phase sequential mixed-method research design consisting of qualitative and quantitative approaches. A tentative research model is developed first based on extensive literature review. Qualitative field study is then carried out to fine tune the initial research model. Findings from the qualitative method are also used to develop measures and instruments for the next phase of quantitative method. A survey is carried out with sample of top and middle level executives of different garment companies of Dhaka city in Bangladesh and the collected quantitative data are analyzed by partial least square-based structural equation modeling. The findings support eight hypotheses. From the analysis the external stakeholders’ elements like bureaucratic behavior and country risk have significant influence to the barriers. From the internal stakeholders’ point of view the manufacturers’ and buyers’ drivers have significant influence on the competitiveness. Therefore, stakeholders need to take proper action to reduce the barriers and increase the drivers, as the drivers have positive influence to improve competitiveness.

This study has both theoretical and practical contributions. This study represents an important contribution to the theory by integrating two theoretical perceptions to identify factors of the RMG industry’s SC that affect the competitiveness of the RMG industry. This research study contributes to the understanding of both external and internal stakeholders of national and international perspectives in the RMG (textile and clothing) business. It combines the insights of stakeholder and resource dependence theories along with the concept of the SC in improving effectiveness. In a practical sense, this study certainly contributes to the Bangladeshi RMG industry. In accordance with the desire of the RMG manufacturers, the research has shown that some influential constructs of the RMG industry’s SC affect the competitiveness of the RMG industry. The outcome of the study is useful for various stakeholders of the Bangladeshi RMG industry sector ranging from the government to various private organizations. The applications of this study are extendable through further adaptation in other industries and various geographic contexts.

Details

Sustaining Competitive Advantage Via Business Intelligence, Knowledge Management, and System Dynamics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-764-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2018

Marcella Martin and Federica Vacca

By considering the role of technology in museum archives and exhibitions, as well as company archives and production, this paper aims to present that digital technologies offer…

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Abstract

Purpose

By considering the role of technology in museum archives and exhibitions, as well as company archives and production, this paper aims to present that digital technologies offer new approaches and tools to consider fashion know-how, traditions and memories.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive literature review and a close consideration of multiple sources, this paper analyzes fashion, tradition and knowledge creation through the lens of museum and company archives. A section on museum archives analyzes the role of fashion in the museum and the use of technology in cataloging, online resources and exhibitions for knowledge transfer of fashion history. The second half of the paper considers the relationship between heritage, company archives and technology in branding and consumer engagement.

Findings

The paper summarizes recent scholarship in the fields of fashion archives and demonstrates the still current importance of heritage in generating new design and exhibition practices. Despite having its roots in the past, heritage demonstrates continuity with the present and looks to the future with the same devotion and commitment, thus guaranteeing quality and authenticity for both museum collections and company productions.

Originality/value

Through a case study methodology, this paper presents how digital technologies can offer new approaches and tools in museum archives and exhibitions, as well as in company archives and collection development, to reconsider and translate fashion know-how, traditions and memories in the digital era.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 13 October 2021

Theresa Larteley Adu and Thomas B. van der Walt

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the legal and institutional frameworks for, and the challenges to the payment of the reprographic fees in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the legal and institutional frameworks for, and the challenges to the payment of the reprographic fees in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was employed to address the objectives of the study. This involved focus group discussion sessions with twelve purposively sampled postgraduate students (six each from the private and public institutions) and the five Technical Committee members of CopyGhana; and qualitative interview sessions with the head librarians of four academic universities (two private and two public).

Findings

This study shows that CopyGhana derives its existence from Copyright Act 2005, (Act 690) section 49, and Copyright Regulations (L.I. 1962) 2010, sub-regulation 18. Copyright Regulations (L.I. 1962), 2010, sub-regulation 18 mandates CopyGhana to identify all the outfits that engage in photocopying for immediate licensing, and to protect the economic rights of foreign rightsholders within the jurisdiction of Ghana. Though students and library staff generally agree to the payment of the reprographic fees (the students however want to see it legally insulated against possible future arbitrary increases), the position of university authorities possesses a big challenge to its implementation.

Originality/value

The paper evaluated the legal and institutional frameworks for the payment of the reprographic fees, and the challenges in its implementation, and proposes that CopyGhana may have to activate its legal right to sue in order to overcome the challenges posed by university authorities, as is being done in other jurisdictions.

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1995

N.A. Hunter and P. Valentino

In the ten years since its formulation, quick response has made only limited progress despite its well‐demonstrated benefits to the apparel pipeline. Explores the reasons for the…

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Abstract

In the ten years since its formulation, quick response has made only limited progress despite its well‐demonstrated benefits to the apparel pipeline. Explores the reasons for the delays in implementation and the current state of the art. Examines the steps necessary for further progress in light of likely developments in technology and consumer‐driven retail strategies.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2023

Özlem Yildirim-Öktem, Irmak Erdogan, Andrea Calabrò and Osman Sabri Kiratli

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of environmental dynamism on different EO dimensions in family firms. The authors also examine the moderating role of national…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of environmental dynamism on different EO dimensions in family firms. The authors also examine the moderating role of national culture (uncertainty avoidance and in-group collectivism) and the level of family control and influence in fostering/hindering this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 1,143 family firms from twenty-eight countries. The authors developed and tested hypotheses through a fixed-effects regression analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that environmental dynamism has a positive effect on all three EO dimensions. Analysis reveals a positive moderating role of family control and influence and negative moderating roles of in-group collectivism and uncertainty avoidance.

Practical implications

The findings imply that family firm managers should carefully interpret the influence of their national culture on family firm behavior. More specifically, family firms in dynamic environments should consider the importance of the national culture in which they are embedded. Those operating in high uncertainty avoidant and highly collectivist cultures should take proactive steps to cultivate a corporate entrepreneurial culture. On the other hand, the family should not undermine the effect of its control and influence. In dynamic environments, family control and influence may be a competitive advantage in reinforcing entrepreneurial orientation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on EO in family firms by expanding the previous research on the antecedents of EO and examining moderation effects of culture and family control and influence across a broad multi-country sample. In contrast with the common findings regarding the effect of family logic on EO, the study shows the strengthening role of family control and influence in the relationship between environmental dynamism and EO. The authors show that culture as an informal institution may also play a critical role in hindering/strengthening the relationship between environmental dynamism and EO.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2008

Terence Brown and Thomas E. Buttross

This research aims to measure the financial and operating impact for US retailers that adopted quick response (QR). It specifically looks at the impact of QR on profitability…

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Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to measure the financial and operating impact for US retailers that adopted quick response (QR). It specifically looks at the impact of QR on profitability, cost efficiency, and inventory management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzed data from the CRSP/Compustat data base of US publicly held corporations to compare adopters of QR with non‐adopters before and after adoption.

Findings

The results indicated that adopters of QR did not benefit as expected. Adopters, on average, did not improve their performance to a statistically significant degree with respect to profitability, cost efficiency, or inventory levels.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of the research include the fairly small number of firms studied (11 adopters and 16 non‐adopters) and the lack of evidence identifying the reasons for the adopters poor performance. Another limitation is the fact that only the manufacturers perceptions have been considered. It would be beneficial in future research to consider the opinion of retailers about their own management of these brands.

Originality/value

The research uses objective actual financial results before and after adoption of QR and avoids the practice of using subjective management opinions of success. The research design includes before and after analysis with a control group – the strongest design possible given the inability to randomly assign firms to the adopter and non‐adopter categories.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Robert H. Lowson

The purpose of this study is to examine the role and contribution of an operations strategy for the retailer.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role and contribution of an operations strategy for the retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is mainly qualitative empirical research.

Findings

Analyses of the data collected reveals that the respondent organisations had a number of strategic aspirations and these objectives could be isolated, described and classified. It became apparent that the development and deployment of an operations strategy was closely related to these longer‐term business aims. The research was able to establish clear correlations between the application of these strategies and the achievement of both strategic and tactical objectives over a period of time.

Originality/value

The work demonstrates support for the contention that the use of an operations strategy is important to fuel the success of these organisations. It also questions the lack of emphasis given to this aspect in the strategic literature and most conceptual models of strategy.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 April 2017

Stephen C. Poulson

This study investigates patterns of violence employed by insurgents killing civilians living in small ethnic enclaves located in Ninewa Province, Iraq from 2003 to 2009. The…

Abstract

This study investigates patterns of violence employed by insurgents killing civilians living in small ethnic enclaves located in Ninewa Province, Iraq from 2003 to 2009. The ethnic minorities in these communities include: (1) Yazidis in Sinjar District, (2) Chaldo-Assyrian Christians in the Ninewa Plains and, (3) the Turkmen enclave of Tal Afar. To date, there has been little investigation into violence directed toward small ethnic enclaves during civil war, though some have suggested that ethnic enclaves might insulate civilians from violence (Kaufmann, 1996). Using fatality data from the Iraq Body Count, this study compares the patterns of insurgent violence directed toward these enclave communities to co-ethnic and mixed-ethnic communities. The experiences of the enclaves were varied – some were largely insulated from attacks – but when attacked, the average number killed was greater and more indiscriminate as compared to communities with significant Arab populations. One possible explanation for these differences is that insurgents did not regard these citizens as being “convertible,” which caused them to employ violence in a more indiscriminate manner. When insurgents did act to secure control of enclave communities, they used indiscriminate forms of violence against civilians, as compared to more selective forms of violence employed when controlling co-ethnic communities.

Details

Non-State Violent Actors and Social Movement Organizations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-190-2

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 February 2019

Min-hyung Kim

According to the conventional wisdom, trade is not a zero-sum game, but a positive-sum game. By allowing countries to focus on producing the goods that they can produce relatively…

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Abstract

Purpose

According to the conventional wisdom, trade is not a zero-sum game, but a positive-sum game. By allowing countries to focus on producing the goods that they can produce relatively efficiently, free trade is largely beneficial for everyone involved. Then, why are the world’s two largest economies (i.e. the USA and China) currently engaged in a trade war, which is likely to hurt their own economies? What is the driving force for the trade war between the two economic giants? The purpose of this paper is to offer an explanation of the underlying cause of the US–China trade war.

Design/methodology/approach

In an effort to make sense of the trade war between the USA and China, the paper draws the insights from the two international relations theories – i.e. hegemonic stability theory and power transition theory.

Findings

As China continues to threaten US hegemony in the world in general and East Asia in particular, the Sino–US competition for hegemony will intensify over time. As a result, the trade war between the two countries may persist longer than many anticipate. Further, even if the trade war between the two superpowers ends soon, a similar type of conflict is likely to occur later as long as the Sino–US hegemonic rivalry continues.

Originality/value

The central thesis of this paper is that “US fear” about its declining hegemony and China’s rapid rise as a challenger of US hegemony is driving a US-launched trade war with China. Since the underlying cause of the trade war between the world’s two largest economies is political (i.e. the Sino–US hegemonic rivalry) rather than economic (e.g. US attempts to improve the trade balance with China by imposing tariffs on Chinese goods), the paper contends that the full understanding of the trade war requires close attention to the importance of power competition between the two superpowers.

Details

International Trade, Politics and Development, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-3932

Keywords

1 – 10 of 305