Manchester Metropolitan University

About: Manchester Metropolitan University is a education organization based out in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 5435 authors who have published 16202 publications receiving 442561 citations. The organization is also known as: Manchester Polytechnic & MMU.

The Personification Metaphor as a Measurement Approach for Corporate Reputation

Abstract: Many existing approaches to the measurement of corporate reputation have been criticized as being overly focused on the financial performance of companies and on the views of external stakeholders. Further, there is as yet no established universal measure to assess both the internal (often referred to as identity) and external (often referred to as image) elements of reputation. A number of models of reputation see these two elements as interlinked. It follows that any comprehensive measurement tool for reputation should be applicable both inside and outside of the organization. This paper addresses the potential for the personification metaphor as a measurement strategy in the assessment of both the internal and external facets of reputation. Its purpose is to apply the personification metaphor to the measurement issue and to formalize the approach using an established methodology. Empirical evidence is provided of data from three companies, each in a different sector: retailing, financial services and business-to-business. The personality framework and validated scales of Aaker (1997) are used to assess the identity and image of each company. The data are used to demonstrate significant linkages between image and identity and the ability of the scales to identify differences between the images and identities of different organizations. While we conclude that there is merit in the application of the personality metaphor to the issue of the measurement of reputation, a number of weaknesses in using the one existing scale are identified, including items that are culturally specific. Consequently, the reliability measures achieved are not as high here as in the original work. Further research is envisaged to develop scales that are of greater efficacy in the field of reputation.

Visual Search Strategies in Experienced and Inexperienced Soccer Players

Abstract: This study investigated skill-based differences in anticipation and visual search strategy within open-play situations in soccer. Experienced (n = 15) and inexperienced (n = 15) subjects were required to anticipate pass destination from filmed soccer sequences viewed on a large 3-m x 3-m video projection screen. MANCOVA showed that experienced soccer players demonstrated superior anticipatory performance. Univariate analyses revealed between-group differences in speed of response but not in response accuracy. Also, inexperienced players fixated more frequently on the ball and the player passing the ball, whereas experienced players fixated on peripheral aspects of the display, such as the positions and movements of other players. The experienced group fixated on significantly more locations than their inexperienced counterparts. Further differences were noted in search rate, with experienced players exhibiting more fixations of shorter duration. The experienced group's higher search rate contradicted previous research. However, this resulted from using 11 on 11 film sequences, which were never previously used in visual search research. The increased frequency of eye fixations was regarded as being more advantageous for anticipating pass destination during open play in soccer. Finally, a number of practical implications were highlighted.

Organic milk: attitudes and consumption patterns

Abstract: This article considers consumer attitudes and motivation towards organic food, and milk specifically. This is then linked to the resulting purchase behaviour. Based on a combination of secondary and primary research, the results indicate the dynamics between these concepts. The resulting discussion highlights the importance of the associated internal and external factors within this area, and their impact for marketing managers.

Calf muscle-tendon properties and postural balance in old age

Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that compromised postural balance in older subjects is associated with changes in calf muscle-tendon physiological and mechanical properties. Trial duration and center of p...