Showing papers in "Problems and perspectives in management in 2004"

Innovation and Productivity in German and Swedish Manufacturing Firms : Is there a common story?

Abstract: Recent studies have documented extensive heterogeneity in firm performance within countries, and innovation has been found as an important determinant. This paper addresses the issue of innovation firm performance across countries. A growing number of national firm level studies on the innovation-productivity link have been conducted using new internationally harmonized survey data, known in Europe as Community Innovation Survey (CIS). Mainly due to confidentiality reasons cross-country comparisons of CIS data are still rare. The contribution of this paper is its unique approach of pooling original firm observations from Germany and Sweden. Applying a knowledge production function that gives the relationship between innovation input, innovation output and productivity, we find to a very large extent a common cross-country story for knowledge intensive manufacturing firms. Some interesting country-specific effects are reported as well.

Successful relationship marketing: understanding the importance of complaints in a consumer-oriented paradigm

Abstract: Based on the customer relationship paradigm that is being recognised in mainstream marketing theory and practice, firms are advised to establish, maintain and enhance their relationships with customers to enhance mutual benefits. To afford them a competitive advantage in the marketplace it is imperative that consumer-oriented firms utilise these relationships to elicit feedback from their customers in the form of complaints. This critical complaint process is discussed together with the presentation of a model to improve managerial and practitioner understanding of this key resource. As few studies have investigated this area from both a managerial and consumer perspective, several areas for further research have been identified.

Designing successful executive program on creativity: Theoretical approaches and practical challenges in Asia

Abstract: This paper traces the theoretical approaches of creative training to the 4 Ps of creativity research, namely, People, Process, Product and Press. It discusses some practical considerations that need to be taken into account to ensure success in creativity training programs. These considerations include: (a) accommodating individual differences; (b) addressing resistance; (c) demonstrating impact and results; (d) ensuring transfer-of-training; and (e) overcoming time and resource constraint. The paper concludes with the “IDEAL” tips on creativity training.

Accounting Turnover Ratios and Cash Conversion Cycle

Abstract: Financial statements, and especially accounting ratios, are usually used to evaluate actual managerial performance and predict the consequences of their decisions (firm value or financial distress). For a better understanding of the empirical results, and to improve the correct evaluation of managerial decisions, it is necessary to establish a link between accounting ratios and concrete managerial decisions. This paper analyses the relationship established between accounting turnover ratios and the period of time spent concluding and operational process. In order to achieve this purpose, not only a set of possible averages of real conversion periods are defined, but also the conditions that guarantee that accounting turnover ratios offer a good approach to them are established. In general, the conditions which enable to approach accounting turnover ratios on good terms are difficult to accept in firms operating in growing or declining markets, with seasonal demand or with long operating cycles. On the other hand, some possible alternatives which, without needing more information, can help to measure real conversion periods of time in a more accurate way are also proposed and illustrated.

Challenges of Electronic Channels in the Music Industry

Abstract: This paper explores a key artefact of any culture around the world: music, and discusses the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the music industry. According to Vogel (1998, p. 132) "[R]ecorded music readily pervades virtually every culture and every level of society. As such, it may be considered as the most fundamental of the entertainment businesses." Besides cultural effects, this industry has important economic effects. In this particular era technological developments and a liberal, free market ideology work together in creating a global economic sphere. In this paper we will concentrate on the effects of developments in information and communication technology on the global and increasingly virtual music industry. Studies in technology dynamics indicate that social actors can and often do steer technological developments, or mediate its effects (Rip and Kemp 1998). As virtual value chains (Rayport and Sviokla 1994, 1995) pose significant challenges as well as opportunities for many countries and players who traditionally have not taken central positions in certain industries by lowering entry barriers, this industry is an excellent example of a global industry where electronic channels will have a dramatic impact. More particularly, we analyse the changing role of intermediary organisations in the music industry.

An Exploratory Examination of the Marketing Philosophy Utilization in the Health Industry: A Case of Preventative Family Home Visiting Health Program in Australia

Abstract: According to the literature the application of the marketing concept philosophy is fundamental to the success of any program run in organizations. However, despite its importance, limited research has been focused on investigating the adoption of the marketing concept philosophy in the health industry. This paper presents the results of a study that was designed to examine whether the marketing concept philosophy is being utilized in health services programs particularly in a preventative home visiting program operating in a rural community in Australia. The home visiting program investigated in this research was a two-year publicly funded program that involved recruiting and training experienced parents as volunteers to visit and support first-time parents or carers. In order to investigate whether the marketing concept was being applied within this program, a survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to all parents and carers upon entry into the program. Results of the research showed that parents/carers participating in this home visiting program came from a similar socioeconomic background and did not appear to have a need for the program. Further research is warranted to identify segments of society who have a need for such a program and to tailor their needs to these programs.

Wage Policy and its Effect on the Social Sector in Singapore

Abstract: This paper has discussed the wage policy of Singapore, the city state which achieved a miraculous growth rate. It has been discussed that as the focus of wage policy was to achieve higher productivity and as the government was more reliant on the market mechanism, the wage gap between rich and poor increased and the income inequality scenario seems to be approaching the Latin-American scenario. JEL classification: D31, J31, J68