Justin Marthinus, Rodney Graeme Duffett and Brendon Knott
Social media has revolutionized marketing communication (MC). Rugby is South Africa’s most professionalized sport, leading the industry in its business management structure as…
Abstract
Purpose
Social media has revolutionized marketing communication (MC). Rugby is South Africa’s most professionalized sport, leading the industry in its business management structure as well as its high-performance achievements. However, below the professional level, local rugby clubs face a large disparity compared to their professional counterparts, often relying on volunteers or part-time employees to manage the organizations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how non-professional rugby clubs use social media as a MC tool.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was exploratory, and a cross-sectional sample of twelve organizations was selected and employed a multiple case study approach. Club managers responsible for MC or social media participated in semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data analysis software, ATLAS.ti, facilitated the researchers’ use of an inductive approach to develop codes and themes for further analysis.
Findings
The findings revealed a high level of adoption of social media by the multiple cases (i.e. rugby sports club respondents), with only slight variations in the usage of specific social media applications (viz., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp). The sports clubs perceived that employing social media added substantial value to their MC. There were six emergent themes related to the organization’s perceived benefits from adopting social media MC, namely: brand awareness, relationship-building, player recruitment, attracting sponsors, storytelling, and information sharing.
Originality/value
The study makes a novel contribution in terms of how rugby clubs use social media as an MC tool. The paper advances scant knowledge and awareness of the relationship between South Africa’s sports marketing and social media. The conclusions will aid non-professional sports organizations in enhancing the effectiveness of their social media marketing by ensuring that their objectives and target audiences are well-defined.
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Wen He, Chongyi Chang, Lan Li and Yupan Song
The study aims to build a high-precision longitudinal dynamics model for heavy-haul trains and validate it with line test data, present an optimization method for multi-stage…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to build a high-precision longitudinal dynamics model for heavy-haul trains and validate it with line test data, present an optimization method for multi-stage cyclic brakes based on the model and conduct a multi-objective detailed evaluation of the driver’s manipulation during cyclic braking.
Design/methodology/approach
The high-precision longitudinal train dynamics model was established and verified by the cyclic braking test data of the 20,000 t heavy-haul combination train on the long and steep downgrade. Then the genetic algorithm is employed for optimization subsequent to decoupling multiple cyclic braking procedures, with due consideration of driver operation rules. For evaluation, key manipulation assessments in the scenario are prioritized, supplemented by multi-objective evaluation requirements, and the computational model is employed for detailed evaluation analysis.
Findings
Based on the model, experimental data reveal that the probability of longitudinal force error being less than 64.6 kN is approximately 68%, 95% for less than 129.2 kN and 99.7% for less than 193.8 kN. Upon optimizing manipulations during the cyclic braking, the maximum reduction in coupler force spans from 21% ∼ 23.9%. And the evaluation scores imply that a proper elevation of the releasing speed favors safety. A high electric braking force, although beneficial to some extent for energy-saving, is detrimental to reducing coupler force.
Originality/value
The results will provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for further ensuring the safety and energy-efficient operation of heavy haul trains on long downhill sections and improving the operational quality of heavy-haul trains.
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N. Muthukumar, K. Ganesh, Sanjay Mohapatra, K. Tamizhjyothi, R. M. Nachiappan and M. Bharati
The efficiency of each of an organization’s individual workers determines its effectiveness. The study aims to explore the relationship between human resource management (HRM…
Abstract
Purpose
The efficiency of each of an organization’s individual workers determines its effectiveness. The study aims to explore the relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational effectiveness with employee performance as a mediating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 800 police officers in the Greater Accra and Tema regions. The data were supported by the hypothesized relationship. Construct reliability and validity was established through confirmatory factor analysis. The proposed model and hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results show that career planning and employee performance were significantly related. Self-managed teams and employee performance were shown to be nonsignificantly related. Similarly, performance management and employee performance were shown to be nonsignificantly related. Employee performance significantly influenced organizational effectiveness. The results further indicate that employee performance mediates the relationship between HRM practices and organizational effectiveness.
Research limitations/implications
The generalizability of the findings will be constrained due to the research’s police service focus and cross-sectional data.
Practical implications
The study’s findings will serve as valuable pointers for the police administration in the adoption, design and implementation of well-articulated and proactive HRM practices to improve the abilities, skills, knowledge and motivation of officer’s to inordinately enhance the effectiveness of the service.
Originality/value
By evidencing empirically that employee performance mediates the relationship between HRM practice and organizational effectiveness, the study extends the literature.
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Lien Thi Nguyen, Minh Thi Nguyen and The Manh Nguyen
This paper examines the impact of macroeconomic volatility on stock volatility, both under normal conditions and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the impact of macroeconomic volatility on stock volatility, both under normal conditions and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
We extend the existing Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity model by adding a new component: the thresholds – the levels of macroeconomic volatility at which the market may respond differently. These thresholds are estimated for both positive and negative volatility.
Findings
The impact of macroeconomic volatility on stock volatility is asymmetric: there are thresholds of macroeconomic volatility at which its pattern changes. These thresholds are higher in the case of positive volatility compared with negative volatility. The thresholds were also higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Macroeconomic variables influence stock volatility differently depending on market conditions. While GDP is more significant in normal periods, interest rates affect it in both normal and unstable phases.
Research limitations/implications
Our models consider only two variables representing macroeconomic variables: interest rate and GDP. Furthermore, only one lag period of the variables is included in the analysis. In the future, more macrovariables and longer lags could be included when computational techniques advance.
Practical implications
Policymakers should consider the impact of macroeconomic volatility on the stock market when designing policies, especially at thresholds. Similarly, investors should pay more attention to macroeconomic volatility when constructing and managing their portfolios, particularly when such volatility is close to thresholds.
Originality/value
The inclusion of thresholds as parameters to be estimated into the model provides more insights into the impact of macroeconomic variables on stock volatility.
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Sylwia Przytuła, Susanne Rank and Katarzyna Tracz-Krupa
Due to the global labor market challenges, international companies react and adjust fast to these circumstances by implementing digital solutions into all business processes…
Abstract
Due to the global labor market challenges, international companies react and adjust fast to these circumstances by implementing digital solutions into all business processes. Organizational ambidexterity is seen as the response of digital transformation and it can be divided into structural, contextual, and sequential dimensions. In this context, organizations representing the smart industry will need employees with specific competencies which let them meet technological challenges.
This chapter aims to clarify the state of opinion on expectations towards, and preparedness for, the impact of Industry 4.0 on human resources management and the implementation of various types of ambidexterity in these companies. We have conducted interviews with key HR informants from manufacturing companies operating in Germany and Poland. We have found that Industry 4.0 has a significant impact on HR practices. In both international companies, various digital solutions in employee recruitment, development, and performance, have been implemented. There have also been mature examples in both companies of structural, contextual, and sequential ambidexterity.
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Hsihui Chang and Helen HL Choy
This paper aims to examine the effect of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX), which was signed by President George W. Bush and came into effect on July 30, 2002, on firm productivity.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effect of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX), which was signed by President George W. Bush and came into effect on July 30, 2002, on firm productivity.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the total factor productivity (TFP) as our measure of firm productivity.
Findings
Analyzing annual firm-level data from the Compustat database for the period of 1991-2006, the authors find that firm productivity increases at a higher rate in the post-SOX period. The results indicate that, although firms incur significant costs in complying with the requirements of the SOX, they also benefit from these requirements as evidenced by the improved productivity over time post-SOX. There is also a shift in the output elasticities from capital toward labor. The SOX has a positive effect on the output elasticity of labor but a negative impact on that of capital.
Research limitations/implications
The results have the following important implications. The SOX is a value-enhancing regulation in that it not only strengthens a firm’s corporate governance but also improves its productivity. However, compliance with the SOX can impose a long-term cost on firms: the decrease in the capital investment, leading to a decline in the output elasticity of capital. If this decline in the capital investment continues, it can have an adverse effect on firm productivity in the long term.
Originality/value
This paper extends the literature along the line of the actual operational effects of the SOX regulation by examining its effect on the productivity of firms.
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Sergio Barile, Maria Vincenza Ciasullo, Mario Testa and Antonio La Sala
Rooting in the literature on training and laying on Kirkpatrick model, this paper aims to explore key drivers of corporate training to identify how they can be combined into an…
Abstract
Purpose
Rooting in the literature on training and laying on Kirkpatrick model, this paper aims to explore key drivers of corporate training to identify how they can be combined into an integrated framework of learning for human capital development.
Design/methodology/approach
By adopting the constructivist grounded theory, this contribution analyzes the experience carried out in the last ten years by Virvelle, an Italian corporate training firm.
Findings
Results show the rise of five core categories, g1iving rise to an integrated model of Kirkpatrick. Their dynamic interplay led to a new orientation of Kirkpatrick model giving rise to a metalearning ecosystem.
Research limitations/implications
Managerial implications have identified key factors on which building and implementing appropriate corporate training programmes capable of triggering co-generative processes of value creation. Particularly, the essential role of learning quality culture, digital technology and personalization are detected in integrating not only hard but furthermore soft shades of learning. Concerning theoretical implications, the emergence of key structural and systems enabling dimensions for learning, and contextual mechanisms involved in reshaping training effectiveness and achieving integrated learning outcomes are detected. The main limitation of this study lies in the need to generalize results: the conceptualized framework needs to be empirically tested.
Originality/value
The value of this research is built along three main points. The first is the integration among the core categories that an integrated learning system can be built on, promoting learning quality culture through positive feedback loops. The second is represented by the chance to enhance an integrated mutual knowledge development among engaged actors, thereby shaping a more holistic and multidimensional learning model. The third is related to the transversal role that digital technology plays in all phases of the training process as it integrates and enriches them.
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Phong Nha Nguyen and Hwayoung Kim
This study aims to identify the characteristics of the maritime shipping network in Northeast Asia as well as compare the level of port connectivity among these container ports in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the characteristics of the maritime shipping network in Northeast Asia as well as compare the level of port connectivity among these container ports in the region. In addition, this study analyses the change in role and position of 20 ports in the region by clustering these ports based on connectivity index and container throughput and route index.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs Social Network Analysis (SNA) to delineate the international connectivity of major container ports in Northeast Asia. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to identify each port's connectivity index and container throughput index, and the resulting indexes are employed as the basis to cluster 20 major ports by fuzzy C-mean (FCM).
Findings
The results revealed that Northeast Asia is a highly connected maritime shipping network with the domination of Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Busan. Furthermore, both container throughput and connectivity in almost all container ports in the region have decreased significantly due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The rapid growth of Shenzhen and Ningbo has allowed them to join Cluster 1 with Shanghai while maintaining high connectivity, yet decreasing container throughput has pushed Busan down to Cluster 2.
Originality/value
The originality of this study is to combine indexes of SNA into connectivity index reflecting characteristics of the maritime shipping network in Northeast Asia and categorize 20 major ports by FCM.