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Article
Publication date: 8 December 2017

Mirte Horrevorts, Johan Van Ophem and Paul Terpstra

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the cleanliness of a work environment has influence on the productivity of employees working in office environments of…

1433

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the cleanliness of a work environment has influence on the productivity of employees working in office environments of non-profit organizations in The Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, an online survey (including questions about the perceived cleanliness) and two objective cleanliness assessment methods (particle counts and surface cleanliness) are used. The data are collected using an online questionnaire to determine the workers’ perception (of productivity and cleanliness) and to measure the cleanliness (visual assessment of the surface cleanliness and measured [dust] particle counts in the ambient air) at five different non-profit organizations in The Netherlands.

Findings

It is found that a higher objective cleanliness correlates significantly with a higher perceived productivity of employees working in office environments of non-profit organizations in The Netherlands. A higher measured cleanliness also correlates significantly with a higher work satisfaction level of employees working in office environments. Finally, a significant correlation is found between the satisfaction of employees with their work as a whole and the perceived productivity of the employees; a higher satisfaction leads to a higher perceived productivity.

Research limitations/implications

The cleanliness is measured in five non-profit organizations, so it is not possible to draw any strong generalization. Future studies are needed to confirm or contradict the findings in this research.

Practical implications

The results highlight the aspects of the cleanliness in the office environment that influence the perceived productivity. This concerns the measured cleanliness. Employees evaluate their own productivity lower at a higher level of particle counts in the ambient air in the office environment and when more dirt and stain are found on the surface (lower surface cleanliness). In response to these findings, it is recommended to carry out regular cleaning activities in the office environment where the employees perform their work. Overall, to maintain or achieve maximum personal productivity, a clean office environment is important.

Originality/value

This research is the first to identify the relationship between perceived productivity and measured cleanliness of the office environment.

Details

Facilities, vol. 36 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1996

W.K.J. Satchell and D.N. Marriott

The development of the Single European Market and the resulting publicity has persuaded many smaller firms to look to continental Europe as their first choice for market expansion…

Abstract

The development of the Single European Market and the resulting publicity has persuaded many smaller firms to look to continental Europe as their first choice for market expansion opportunities. These include many UK small firms in the service sector where the economic benefits of a reduction in trade barriers are not so apparent. The approaches used by small service companies and professional practices in dealing with Europe are examined to identify the lessons learnt and to draw comparisons with Central Government advice. Semi‐structured interviews were held with managers from a randomly drawn sample of small firms in the UK with experience of exporting their services to Europe. The firms had experienced varying degrees of success with their forays into Europe. The study suggests that some small service sector firms may have greater potential in non‐EEC and/or English‐speaking nations than in Europe and that for many the experience of Europe has been expensive and erroneous. Small service firms should look to match their strengths to the market, which may be in Eastern Europe, South Africa or the Middle East, rather than tackle an EEC country where their competitive advantages are limited and market conditions may be hostile.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1985

Attila Yaprak

Introduction Perhaps the most significant economic transformation within the last three decades has been the internationalization of business. From the modest levels of the 1950s…

Abstract

Introduction Perhaps the most significant economic transformation within the last three decades has been the internationalization of business. From the modest levels of the 1950s, the volume of world trade has exploded to over $2 trillion, and the sales of foreign affiliates of US firms have reached $500 billion by 1983 (Terpstra 1983). Yet, even in the light of accelerated efforts to further stimulate US exporters (e.g., the Export Trading Company Act of 1982), a recent Dunn and Bradstreet survey showed that less than 1% of the US firms had engaged in exporting in 1982 (Trade Marks, 1983). Similarly, the International Trade Administration of the US Department of Commerce has lamented that only 5% of all US manufacturers will have engaged in export marketing in 1984.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1996

Leonidas C. Leonidou

Focuses on the issue of product standardization versus adaptation, with special reference to the practices of Japanese multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the Middle East…

11477

Abstract

Focuses on the issue of product standardization versus adaptation, with special reference to the practices of Japanese multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the Middle East. Reveals that the degree of adaptation of Japanese goods is generally moderate, with labelling, packaging and internal features attracting most alterations. Product adaptations were more profound among firms producing consumer goods, as well as those having a long presence in the Arab market. Also suggests that the impact of factors affecting the standardization/ adaptation decision differed according to the specific product aspect, with demographic and political‐legal forces being the most influential overall. With respect to future product strategy, participant firms stated that they would proceed more or less as at present, the only exception being some additional adaptations as regards external characteristics of the product.

Details

Journal of Marketing Practice: Applied Marketing Science, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2538

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2010

Marwan N. Al Qur’an

This study looks at drivers of internationalisation and the important location decision factors contributed to the selection of a beneficial country for international expansion…

Abstract

This study looks at drivers of internationalisation and the important location decision factors contributed to the selection of a beneficial country for international expansion. One in‐depth and information‐rich case study of the Arabian premium international professional service firms was purposively undertaken. The results show that both firm and location‐specific factors, firm’s competitive advantage, company’s management attitudes and profit growth were the main drivers of internationalisation. Further, the study reveals that the pre‐development of country qualitative and quantitative location factors was elemental to attain profitable foreign country choice. Accordingly, these findings have significant theoretical and practical implications to the internationalisation and foreign market entry of professional service firms.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 6 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1994

Alan T. Shao and Paul Herbig

The dyadic relationship between U.S. parent advertising agencies and their foreign affiliates were examined, using information gathered from 344 respondents in 52 countries…

Abstract

The dyadic relationship between U.S. parent advertising agencies and their foreign affiliates were examined, using information gathered from 344 respondents in 52 countries. Parent agencies tended to position themselves to control their overseas affiliates by either totally or majority owning their operations but did not significantly influence, and thus control, their marketing activities. Several environmental factors, particularly claims advertisers can make and hiring restrictions, likely played important roles that affected the extent parent agencies influenced their affiliates.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Jane Lai Yee Terpstra-Tong and Adlina Ahmad

The purpose of this paper is to identify the major transition issues experienced by first-year students in Malaysia. In so doing, the authors compare the findings to those drawn…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the major transition issues experienced by first-year students in Malaysia. In so doing, the authors compare the findings to those drawn from western contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a focus group method, conducting seven focus groups with a total of 35 business students.

Findings

This study identified five skills that are central to quick adaptation to university learning: independent learning, research, time management, English and critical thinking. Unlike findings in the western literature, the findings of this study do not indicate social aspect as a major adjustment issue.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisability of the findings is limited due to the study’s small sample size. To overcome this, future researchers should consider a national study using a survey-based research method. To test whether students in a relationship-based culture are less prone to challenges related to social aspects in their transitions into university, cross-national or cross-cultural studies are needed.

Practical implications

The study’s findings point to the need for Malaysia’s universities to strengthen their transition programmes, and proactively form closer relationships with high schools to help their students identify suitable courses and develop their curricula.

Originality/value

This study highlights the inadequacy of private education in bridging the gap between high schools and private university education in Malaysia. As most first-year-experience studies have used western samples, this study provides much needed data addressing the development of higher education and its relationship with the school systems of developing countries.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1990

Stephen Young

This is the lead article to this special issue of InternationalMarketing Review focusing on the internationalisation process offirms. It elaborates on the importance of the topic…

1509

Abstract

This is the lead article to this special issue of International Marketing Review focusing on the internationalisation process of firms. It elaborates on the importance of the topic and provides an overview of the seven selections included in the issue. Observations of the Single European Market and implications for the internationalisation strategies of firms both within and outside the European Community are offered.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2008

Arto Ojala and Pasi Tyrväinen

The purpose of this paper is to investigate market entry decisions of the US software SMEs by analyzing the impact of the most obvious factors (cultural distance, geographical…

3815

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate market entry decisions of the US software SMEs by analyzing the impact of the most obvious factors (cultural distance, geographical distance, country risk, and three market size variables) in traditional internationalization theories to target country selection. By investigating the influence of these commonly cited macro‐level factors, this study proposes the best indicator for market entry decisions of the US small and medium‐sized software firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research approach applied to a sample of 100 US small and medium‐sized software firms.

Findings

Empirical findings in this study indicate that vertical (software) market size in a target country is the best single indicator for market entry decision and in themselves explain 63 percent of market entries. Thus, the findings in this study suggest that the vertical market size gives a better explanation for market entry decisions of software SMEs than the earlier widely used variables.

Research implications/limitations

Integrating earlier findings related to firm‐level factors with findings of macro‐level factors will help theory development and will facilitate obtaining a more holistic view of internationalization of knowledge‐intensive SMEs.

Practical implications

Findings in this study imply that managers should take an active role when they develop network relationships for the market entry. If a firm takes a passive role in networking, it might lose market opportunities available in the leading markets and end up in countries where the real market potential is low.

Originality/value

This paper highlights vertical market size, which has been largely ignored in earlier studies, as the most important indicator for international market entry decision.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 46 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Pierre Balestrini and Paul Gamble

The paper seeks to examine Chinese consumers' wine‐purchasing behaviour and, more especially, the importance of country of origin (COO) effects in the evaluation and assessment of…

9956

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine Chinese consumers' wine‐purchasing behaviour and, more especially, the importance of country of origin (COO) effects in the evaluation and assessment of wine quality and as it relates to decision making for wine purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected in 2004 through an interviewer‐administered, structured questionnaire targeted at randomly selected wine buyers in the ChangNing district of Shanghai (China). Chinese consumers tend to purchase wine primarily for sensorial reasons, consuming it on social occasions. Wine has never acquired the connotations of being merely a thirst‐quenching drink as it did in some European countries. They are also attracted to wine for its health benefits.

Findings

It was found that Chinese consumers are more likely to use extrinsic cues than intrinsic cues to evaluate wine quality. Thus, COO information is a significantly more important cue than price for Chinese consumers as a quality cue. However, there appears to be no significant difference in the importance of COO and brand in this regard. Wine is a complex product – small differences in any one of a huge range of variables, from the weather, through the grape, the production method, the storage and even the bottling can affect quality. As might be expected in a market that is relatively under‐developed and which has a smaller experience of wine drinking than some other parts of the world, Chinese consumers pay much more attention to COO when they purchase wine for special occasions, where their choice is exposed to the judgment of others. By contrast, when purchasing wine for their own private consumption, COO assumes a lesser importance.

Originality/value

This research can significantly help wine marketers to develop more effective positioning strategies in China. It will also help in the development of pricing and promotional decisions.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 108 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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