Showing papers in "European Business Review in 2006"

Critical success factors of knowledge management systems: a multi‐case analysis

Abstract: Purpose – To date, critical success factors for design and implementing knowledge management (KM) system in a multi‐case study research have not been systematically investigated. Most of existing studies have derived their critical success factors from single company perspectives and have not considered all factors in an integrated way in a multi case study research. This paper is aimed to bridge this gap.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study technique has been used in this paper for data collection to gain insights into the topic being investigated. For that, “grounded theory” research approach has been selected by which the collected data from real case studies (successful organizations in KM adoption) are categorized and analyzed through specific stages. The extracted concepts can demonstrate critical success factors of KM system within organizations.Findings – The overall results from the real case studies were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed critical suc...

Understanding issue complexity when building a socially responsible brand

Abstract: Purpose – To discuss the importance of understanding corporate social responsibility (CSR) by analysing the issues that comprise CSR. Without this understanding it will not be possible for organisations to develop responsible brands.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on the existing business and marketing literature to define four aspects of issue complexity. It also draws on a range of real and hypothetical examples affecting local and global organisations to explain the four components.Findings – Developing CSR requires intensive corporate commitment and failure to deliver on stakeholder expectations will result in reputational damage. It is essential to understand CSR issue complexity and to consider carefully CSR‐linked brand positioning. Basically, the implementation of CSR activities requires something substantial and communicable in the first place.Research limitations/implications – The work is conceptual in nature and additional research needs to be undertaken to better understand how ...

Marketing strategy: taxonomy and frameworks

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present taxonomy of marketing strategy concepts and integrative frameworks that differentiate and integrate its formulation and implementation processes.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptual based on a review of academic literature on marketing strategy chronicled in major marketing journals January 1990‐April 2006. We present selected references classified by key marketing strategy topics for further pursuit by interested readers. Also, the paper reflects our experience and views based on practices chronicled in corporate case studies and trade journals.Findings – The literature casts marketing strategy formulation and implementation in the context of strategic planning and marketing strategy process models. The focus of the strategic planning model is on achieving corporate financial objectives through the implementation of product, pricing, promotion, and place (distribution) programs. The focus of the marketing strategy process model is on the ...

Outsourcing, information leakage and the risk of losing technology based competencies

Abstract: Purpose – To draw attention to a particular outsourcing risk that has not yet been adequately addressed in the literature, namely information leakage arising from acts of accidental disclosure or even purposeful betrayal by consultants that work for several client firms at the same time.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature.Findings – It illustrates how specialist IT service providers are playing pivotal roles in determining the extent to which unique firm specific skills and core competencies are being transferred to the wider industry context (via leakage) and becoming standard practices. It is shown that consultants face a dilemma as they are expected to spread cutting edge level expertise to their respective client firms, yet at the same time honour confidentiality commitments.Research limitations/implications – Conceptual rather than empirical.Practical implications – A management tool is developed for managers to aid decision making.Originality/value – A critique of the outsourcin...

Perceived uncertainty, networking and export performance

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test model depicting the relationships among perceived environmental uncertainty, domestic and foreign networking, and export performance.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from Finland, Sweden and Norway serve as the study setting. Data were collected via mail surveys from random samples of SME owners/managers. Usable responses were 75 from Finland, 111 from Sweden and 71 from Norway.Findings – Of the four dimensions of uncertainty, only uncertainty about supplier markets emerged as a significant driver of domestic networking activities of SMEs. While domestic networking did not have a significant influence, foreign networking showed a significant positive impact on SMEs' export performance. Firm size was found to have positive impacts on foreign networking and export performance.Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to manufacturing SMEs in a particular region. Replicati...

Restructuring and reconfiguration

Abstract: Purpose – To examine how the textile and clothing industries, both of which retain a significant employment presence in the EU, have responded differently to heightened overseas competition and changes in buyer‐supplier relations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses macro‐descriptive statistics to determine key EU industry trends and provide an analysis of how institutional backgrounds can shape industry trends.Findings – Clothing proves more robust in retaining an employment presence than the more capital‐intensive textile sector. This is surprising since labour‐intensive industries are expected to suffer more from intensified global competition than capital intensive ones. Job losses continue in both sectors but firms are innovating in restructuring practices to remain competitive and responsive to buyer pressures. Technological innovation and the pursuit of niche markets plus increased outsourcing are key responses.Research limitations/implications – Few studies offer an overview of industry tr...

How international are the top academic journals? The case of marketing

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of international involvement in the editorial boards and content of the leading journals of the marketing discipline to investigate a reported bias against non‐US material.Design/methodology/approach – The research employed two approaches: editorial board and content analysis of ten leading marketing journals, and interviews with an expert panel of senior marketing academics.Findings – The top journals of the marketing journal were found to have low levels of international involvement, with high proportions of both US authors and data, and US membership of editorial boards. The editorial board analysis also revealed institutional links with journal boards, and a network of overlapping membership between the editorial boards. The expert panel provided divergent views on reasons for the USA dominance, but the board analysis seemed to best fit with the suggestion of networks of scholars who are naturally inclined to favor research that fits their wor...

The impact of quality management in European companies' performance

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to analyse and show the influence on European companies' performance of the two most important models for quality management (QM) practice popularised in recent years: the ISO 9000 and the European Foundation for Quality Management models.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is a qualitative survey carried out in Spain using the Delphi method, based on previous research work. The results of this research were analysed and triangulated with the results of other surveys carried out previously, as well as with information gathered during several in‐depth interviews of the experts that participated in the Delphi panel.Findings – In the opinion of the panel of experts, the implementation of QM models in the studied region has had a positive influence on company results, mainly through the improvement of operations, efficiency and the costs of companies' internal activities.Originality/value – This is one of the first papers that show us the different impact of this kind of QM...

Internal relationships: Linking practitioner literature and relationship marketing theory

Abstract: Purpose – Practitioners argue that the way they treat their employees has an impact on firm success. However, they frequently do not equate this with relationship building. On the other hand, the academic relationship marketing literature does highlight internal relationships as having an important impact on external customer relationships. However, this relationship suffers from a lack of academic empirical evidence. Neither seems to recognize the knowledge of the other leading to incongruence between marketing theory and practice. The purpose of this paper is to bring the two literature streams together demonstrating that the practitioners are talking about, and practising, relationship marketing. Design/methodology/approach – Exploration and comparison of the academic and practitioner literature bases to elaborate on the value of relationship building within organizations. Findings – Competitive advantage can be attained through development of a relationship‐building culture which includes building relationships inside the organization as well as customer relationships. In fact, successful customer relationships rely on successful internal relationships. Research implications/implications – A broad research agenda is outlined for understanding the nature of internal relationships and their impact on a firm's success. Practical implications – Organizational success can be gained through building strong internal relationships and the development of a relationship‐building organizational culture. Originality/value – Links practitioner cases and reflections to the concept of relationship marketing, demonstrating further how relationship marketing activities provide a competitive advantage.

Work teams to favor knowledge management: towards communities of practice

Abstract: Purpose – To provide evidence about that the process called knowledge management can happen in work teams, but only if they have the necessary characteristics to be considered communities of practice.Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper identifies the characteristics of the work team that favor knowledge management from a revision of existing literature about communities of practice. Second, by means of an empirical study of 363 individuals working in permanent teams, the paper obtains confirmation that those characteristics exercise a favorable influence on knowledge management. The empirical study is carried out by means of statistical analysis: exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's α analyses were carried out to check the validity and reliability of scales; conducted correlation analyses were also conducted to test the six hypotheses regarding direct relationships and multiple regression analyses to assess the relative importance of each of the characteristics of the work team in knowled...

The Pareto Plus Syndrome in Top Marketing Journals: Research and Journal Criteria

Abstract: Purpose – Pareto's Law often refers to the theory that a small percentage of a total is responsible for a large proportion of the total outcome. It is commonly known as the 80/20 law or principle. The objective is to review and debate whether there is a “Pareto syndrome” in the distribution of crucial research and journal criteria in top marketing journals.Design/methodology/approach – The authors provide a review and a debate based upon previous research on top marketing journals. For this purpose, the Pareto syndrome concept is introduced, based upon a set of research and journal criteria. Their distribution is examined.Findings – The review of research and journal criteria in top marketing journals generated an extremely skewed outcome. When it comes to the criteria, the top journals in marketing tend to be governed by narrow concerns of research rather than broad ones.Research limitations/implications – The research and journal criteria that have a skewed outcome may reinforce the rigidity and the lac...

Constraints facing small western firms in transitional markets

Abstract: Purpose – To provide an Asia‐Pacific viewpoint of the key constraints associated with large geographic distances for smaller westerns firms entering central and eastern Europe (CEE), described as a turbulent transitional environment.Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory study was used within a qualitative methodology, using eight case studies across multiple industries. Semi‐structured interviews were the main method of data collection conducted in 2003/2004. Open, axial and selective coding was used for the analysis to identifying issues.Findings – Key internal constraints for smaller western firms (mindset of western management and middle management in CEE; and lack of management in CEE with decision‐making authority) related to managements' inability to recognize geographic and psychic distance as major external constraints. Largely overcome by enhancing communication between various functional groups; adapting organizational structure; maintaining frequent communicational; developing partnershi...

Platform management: Implication for new product development and supply chain management

Abstract: Purpose – To identify some of the major issues and problems firms face, when they collaborate with suppliers in new product development Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study of a leading Danish hearing aid manufacturer Findings – Early involvement of suppliers in new product development reduces time‐to‐market, but increases the risk that proprietary knowledge is leaked to the competitors Therefore, the supplier approval process is very important Research limitations/implications – The paper discusses the implications of platform management for new product development and sourcing strategies The paper is based on a single case study In order to generalize the findings, it is necessary to study more companies from different industries, with different technologies, competition, and contextual features Practical implications – The paper illustrates the risk of single sourcing and raises the question, how buyers without leverage can become an interesting customer for large suppliers Originality/value – The paper analyzes the implications of platform management for new product development and supply chain management at the interfaces between focal company and its suppliers and customers

An Examination of the Globalisation of Authorship in Publishing in 20 Leading Marketing Journals

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the global contribution of academics to marketing literature between 1999 and 2003, based on an examination of the location of academics institution of employment, as reported in published works. The data is used to evaluate the global dispersion of publishing.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the method of content analysis where the authorship of all articles in 20 leading marketing journals between 1999 and 2003 is examined. An empirical examination of performance was undertaken across geographic regions. There was also an examination of whether the quality of journal affected regional performance.Findings – The research found that there is a significant “bias” of authorship within the 20 journals examined, with the majority of works published by academics at institutions in North America. There is some variation in regional performance based on the type of journal examined.Research limitations/implications – There was no attempt to empiricall...

Macromarketing: origins, development, current status and possible future direction

Abstract: Purpose – To familiarize readers with the nature, scope and history of macromarketing and, more specifically, with the European contribution to macromarketing.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a selective literature review and personal observation with a focus on the past, the present and the likely future of macromarketing.Findings – The paper reports both on the limited degree of emphasis placed on macromarketing by marketing scholars and the reasons why macromarketing has not received more attention.Originality/value – This paper provides a heretofore missing overview of the nature and scope of an important subdiscipline within academic marketing. The European contribution to macromarketing is discussed in considerable detail. Some personal views on the likely future development of this area are also offered.

Academic publishing: Best practice for editors, guest editors, authors and reviewers

Abstract: Purpose – Writing and publishing research is an integral part of any academic's job. It is important for an individual's academic progression and is vital for the development, updating and refinement of teaching materials. This paper aims to focus on the purpose and value of publishing. Design/methodology/approach – Editors, reviewer and authors have different roles to play in the pre‐publishing life of a potential article and so the different perspectives of editors, reviewers and authors in relation to successful journal article publication are discussed. Findings – The paper describes the process of preparing academic papers and a stage by stage approach to writing an article. This includes how to target a suitable journal, taking account of the editor, reviewers and potential readers of an article, how to write an academic article, with an appropriate structure and style, redrafting and sending a paper off for review and carrying out requested revisions. Originality/value – The views expressed in this paper are based on the authors' combined experience of performing all three roles over a number of years. This experience has been enriched by participation in discussions at “meet the editors” sessions at a variety of academic conferences throughout the world, and from discussions of academic committees, in particular, the Academy of Marketing Research Committee during 2005.

The interactive interface of service quality : A conceptual framework

Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to describe a conceptual framework that addresses the interactive interface of service quality in service encounters.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework is described and discussed in relation to previous research efforts in the field.Findings – Service encounters have been largely researched as a non‐interactive phenomenon. This means that the complexity and dynamics of the construct have not been sufficiently explored. Researchers have described the construct of service quality in different empirical contexts and have developed different models and dimensions – all of which tend to be derived from the service receiver's perspective.Research limitations/implications – In making the description, the framework acknowledges that service encounters and service quality pertain not only to human interactions, but also involve interaction between individuals and self‐service technology. It may also to some extent serve as a fundamental to scholars in thei...

Multiple informants and asymmetric interactions of mutual trust in dyadic business relationships

Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this research is to describe and apply a method with which to measure and evaluate mutual trust in dyadic business relationships with both one‐to‐one and multiple informants, as well as symmetric and asymmetric interactions.Design/methodology/approach – Application of the perceptual bi‐directionality method, i.e. the PBD‐method, is introduced in this context to measure and evaluate the relationship properties of mutual trust in the context of one‐to‐one and multiple informants, as well as the symmetric and asymmetric interactions, in dyadic business relationships.Findings – The overall impression of the mutual trust in the studied relationships is that they are well balanced. It may erroneous, since there may be balance deficiencies between the various trust dimensions. The stepwise evaluation of a case example reveals that there are substantial differences between the various trust dimensions measured in the dyadic business relationship.Research limitations/implications – It is...

A dive into the depths of quality management

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the fundamentals of quality management, to examine the deeper layers of quality management and propose a tentative framework of its profound foundations. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is conceptual, reviewing the quality management literature and connecting it with contributions from service management, organisational consciousness studies and eastern philosophy. Findings - A model of quality management consisting of the levels of techniques, models and values has been the starting point. From this basis, an elaborated framework of the foundations of quality management, including different aspects of the values, functions and activity elements, has been developed. Originality/value - Current approaches to quality management might be too superficial, which could be the cause of many implementation failures. In this paper, a deeper understanding is sought. A novel framework has been proposed that can provide a basis for further research into the profound nature of quality management. Further, implications that should be useful for managers are discussed. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Export training: a preliminary investigation of Turkish companies

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the research is to identify the companies' export training needs, and also to determine their preferences regarding export training subjects, methods, institutions and trainers.Design/methodology/approach – The face‐to‐face interview with company managers and owners was carried out with the pre‐tested questionnaire.Findings – The companies need training in export marketing subjects as well as the technical and practical dimensions of exporting. More active and practical issues and methods rather than traditional ones are preferable for the companies. The companies mostly prefer IGEME (Export Promotion Center of Turkey) as their export training provider. The companies in the research rank export experts as the most preferable type of trainer.Research limitations/implications – The primary limitation of the study was that it was carried out on companies operating in Turkey's Aegean Region. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to fit all regions.Originality/value – The liter...

Business relatedness measurements: State‐of‐the‐art and a proposal

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of business relatedness, a concept that is central to diversification issues. These questions are put forward: What characterizes existing types of measurements of business relatedness? What are the weaknesses of these types? What would be the features of a model for measurement of business relatedness?Design/methodology/approach – As relatedness concerns specific business attributes, common attributes used in measurements are presented. A review of previous studies on types of measurements of business relatedness (codes or indices, researcher assessments and managerial perceptions) is followed by a discussion on correlations between perceptual and objective measurements.Findings – The review shows that application of standard industrial classification codes/indices and researcher assessments suffer from weak content validity of the measurements, and underestimation of the multidimensionality of the construct. Use of managerial perceptions nee...

European integration and the dynamic process of investments and divestments of foreign TNCs in Greece

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to analyse how European integration shapes the locational decisions of foreign transnational corporations (TNCs).Design/methodology/approach – The paper concentrates on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the European Union (EU) and highlight the case of Greece. The investigation is based on a wide original sample of 199 foreign industrial subsidiaries operating in Greece. In particular, the paper reveals the dynamic investment and divestment strategies of TNCs in the host economy, which have taken place in the context of the reduction of EU market fragmentation and barriers to entry.Findings – The empirical results suggest, that, in general, the participation of Greece in the EU has not increased the attractiveness of the country as a production base for TNCs. In fact, Greece did neither manage to attract considerable amounts of export oriented foreign investment nor did it receive much efficiency seeking FDI.Research limitations/implications – The findings show for t...

Helping marketing research earn a seat at the table for decision‐making: An assessment and prescription for the future

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help marketing research “earn a seat at the table” where managers and researchers make decisionsDesign/methodology/approach – The paper describes approaches that can lead to the integration of marketing research with marketing decision makingFindings – Marketing research needs to earn a seat at the table for decision making in most firms today Over the years, a back‐office, order‐taker mentality has beset too many marketing researchers As a result, the voice of the customer – what researchers should be bringing to managers' decision making – is simply not heardOriginality/value – In speaking to researchers and managers, the authors offer an improved conceptual structure for understanding the value of information and offer guidelines that will help marketing research's integration into improved management decision making

On academic writing

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give advice on how to achieve more productive academic writing work by commenting on 13 rules for good work. This is an increasingly important aspect of academic work for young scholars as publication is the main basis for promotion and salary increases in Europe today.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is to draw on many years of experience as editor of management journals and, when possible, give illustrative comments.Findings – The claim brought forward by the entire list of academic writing rules is that by living up to them the academic will improve his or her publication record, which will effect life income.Originality/value – There is an expanding literature on academic writing, mostly in book form. This paper provides the essentials in compressed form.

Marketing professors: paths and perspectives

Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to study how marketing professors see their job. How they assess their career paths, the reasons, and motivations underlying their professional choice, their points of view on the practices they employ, and their problems and difficulties, as well as the solutions they have found during the course of their professional development.Design/methodology/approach – This study is exploratory and qualitative. Grounded theory technique was employed to collect and analyse the data.Findings – There is a substantial diversity of professional paths and a quest for satisfaction and pleasure associated with the relative freedom and lower stress of the teaching profession, as compared to executive life.Research limitations/implications – The exploratory and non‐conclusive nature hinder the findings to be generalised and the wideness of the problem making the analysis broad but not deep.Practical implications – Understand marketing professors and raise some ideas about how to impr...

The marketing code: unlocking the secrets of Dan Brown's success

Abstract: Purpose – To extract the secrets of the marketing of Dan Brown's world‐wide bestseller, The Da Vinci Code.Design/methodology/approach – Case study research based on secondary sources and close reading of relevant texts.Findings – The staggering success of The Da Vinci Code is contrary to conventional marketing wisdom, but conventional wisdom is increasingly inappropriate intoday's entertainment economy.Research limitations/implication – Case study research. Needs replication in additional domains. The accepted approaches to best marketing practice need re‐evaluation.Originality/value – Approaches topic from unconventional direction. Tries to capture the spirit of Brown's writing.

EC approach to governance as applied to the modernisation of competition policy

Abstract: Purpose – “Re‐shaping” policy provides the opportunity for an inclusive approach to decision‐making in dialogue with existing member‐states and anticipated new members The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the governance process that underpinned the modernisation of EC competition policy (Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, effective 1 May 2004) can be considered inclusiveDesign/methodology/approach – A multi‐level genre is used to describe EC governance with respect to the implementation of revised competition policy The process is evaluated through the levels of involvement of the key stakeholders, ie firms (national, European and non‐European), consumers, national competition authorities (NCAs), the European Commission, and member states The main explanatory vehicles relied on are institutionalism governance, policy network analysis and inter‐governmentalist models of governanceFindings – Multi‐level governance was apparent as member states established national working part

An investigation into the death of organisations from old age in Turkey

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the models which are used to analyse organisations as evolutionary adaptations to their environment.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses empirical data on the survival of business organisations in the Canakkkale region of Turkey to investigate the probability that they will cease to exist in any period of their operation.Findings – There are indications of the effects predicted by both approaches; companies face heightened risk of death in three stages of their life.Research limitations/implications – The number of companies in the study is small, and consequently the results have to be viewed with caution.Originality/value – This study shows how information about actual organisations can be used effectively.