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Abstract
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A.N.M. Waheeduzzaman and John K. Ryans
Competitiveness is one of the most misunderstood concepts of the 1990s. It has drawn substantial attention from the government and business communities during the last 25 years…
Abstract
Competitiveness is one of the most misunderstood concepts of the 1990s. It has drawn substantial attention from the government and business communities during the last 25 years. Morrisson et al. (1988) noted that between 1983 and 1987, the term competitiveness appeared more than 5700 times in the titles of newspapers and magazine articles. The growth of importance and interest can also be observed from the increase in the bibliographical entries in ABI/Inform database. From 1981 to 1986, the topic “international competitiveness” increased by about 26 listings per year (a total of 159 in 6 years) and the rate increased to 45 listings per year from 1987 to 1993. Academic interest in the area has also increased and as a result, new developments contemplating conceptualization and understanding of competitiveness are taking place. However, to no one's surprise, writers from different disciplines offer a variation in perspective when describing the concept, understanding, and postulation of competitiveness.
Teresa Davis, Margaret K. Hogg, David Marshall, Alan Petersen and Tanja Schneider
The movement of firms towards joint ventures and collaborative projects has been a feature of the 1990s. Such agreements allow a means of spreading the costs and risks associated…
Abstract
The movement of firms towards joint ventures and collaborative projects has been a feature of the 1990s. Such agreements allow a means of spreading the costs and risks associated with new product development, sharing costly manufacturing capacity and facilities, and may also provide access to new capabilities. However, there are examples when the relationship is not a success for one of the parties involved. If firms enter joint ventures from a position of weakness or without a concerted strategy, they can become reliant on their partner. This was the case with Rover and its links to Honda. Because of financial weakness Rover’s design and manufacturing capabilities were eroded as the majority of its products were replaced with Honda developed models. This case provides important lessons and warnings for other firms seeking strategic alliances, and gives researchers an insight into the complex interaction between firms involved in such a relationship.
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Stephen J. Arnold and John Fernie
The purpose of this paper is to assess the long‐term opportunity (or lack thereof) for Wal‐Mart in the UK. Wal‐Mart is the world’s largest retailer and the UK market offers a…
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to assess the long‐term opportunity (or lack thereof) for Wal‐Mart in the UK. Wal‐Mart is the world’s largest retailer and the UK market offers a logical next step following Wal‐Mart’s 1997 entry into the European market via Germany. Retail internationalisation is discussed and how Wal‐Mart might enter the UK market. Wal‐Mart’s North American growth is attributed to a unique organisational culture, low cost operating procedures and a significant consumer impact related to the determinant low price, assortment, service and community support store choice attributes. These attributes are discussed in a UK context and conclude that the UK workforce would respond positively to the front‐line empowerment of the “Wal‐Mart Way”. UK consumers also would support the unique Wal‐Mart retail proposition. In terms of efficient supply chains, however, Wal‐Mart will not offer any significant competitive advantage over UK retailers.
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Considers the need to select customer contact personnel who alreadyexhibit the desirable trait of adaptability, thus reducing the need fortraining. Discusses the issue of…
Abstract
Considers the need to select customer contact personnel who already exhibit the desirable trait of adaptability, thus reducing the need for training. Discusses the issue of adaptability in service employees and how to select for adaptability. Examines several methods which can be used in the selection process, such as abstract questioning, situational vignette interviewing, role playing. Concludes that whiletraining is vital for all employees, creative interviewing techniques can help to secure service‐oriented employees who represent the most potential for service businesses.
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The purpose of this paper is to consider the circumstances in which a refusal to refer a construction dispute to mediation may be judged acceptable in the English Technology and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the circumstances in which a refusal to refer a construction dispute to mediation may be judged acceptable in the English Technology and Construction Court (TCC), thus avoiding the imposition of a costs penalty.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses traditional doctrinal legal methodology in the evaluation of judicial statements in the TCC on the criteria for determining the appropriate use of mediation and combines this with a socio‐legal approach which examines empirical findings on settlement outcome.
Findings
An analysis of TCC cases indicates a significant steer from the judiciary on when construction cases are deemed appropriate for the process of mediation. Most cases are identified as suitable, particularly if they involve small sums compared to litigation and where there is uncertainty about factual and legal issues. Judges continue to emphasise the ability of skilled mediators to deal with intractable parties and the importance of continuing commercial relationships despite empirical evidence to the contrary. The personal experiences and perceptions of TCC judges continue to drive mediation “appropriateness criteria”. This could work negatively against its true potential if construction parties' actual experience of the mediation process involves less‐experienced mediators or a failure to achieve settlement.
Originality/value
The paper provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of the application of Court of Appeal's decision in Halsey in the TCC with specific reference to built environment cases. It evaluates empirical findings on the effectiveness of construction mediation on settlement outcome with the judicial steer on “appropriateness criteria”. It is of value to legal scholars, legal practitioners and researchers in the built environment.
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Alan Cusack, Gautam Gulati, Colum P. Dunne and Shane Kilcommins
This paper aims to critically evaluate contemporary Irish police practice, with an emphasis on emergent procedural innovations, in light of the needs of suspects with intellectual…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically evaluate contemporary Irish police practice, with an emphasis on emergent procedural innovations, in light of the needs of suspects with intellectual disabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of published prevalence data in respect of people with intellectual disabilities in the Irish criminal justice system, of the Irish legal and policy landscape and the results of a recent empirical inquiry are used in critical evaluation.
Findings
In line with extant international research, the article identifies three sites of concern with respect to the protocols that exist within An Garda Síochána for identifying and responding to intellectual disability, including: (1) barriers to communication; (2) a need to build awareness and skills for police and persons with intellectual disabilities; and (3) a need for institutional change to secure equal access to justice for people with intellectual disabilities. Progress is being made at a systems level towards a human rights approach in Irish policing.
Originality/value
In representing the first international analysis of its kind, the article locates the barriers confronting suspects with intellectual disabilities in Ireland within a discourse that is sensitive to ongoing research-led, procedural reforms within An Garda Síochána (Ireland's national police service). Owing to the universalised nature of these barriers across policing systems internationally, the format of these reforms from this will be of relevance to many other policing states, in particular the 162 other signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
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The purpose of this paper is to find the niche segmentation of green consumers as a solution to psychographic or demographic predicament. Age cohort and generational cohort (Gen Y…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find the niche segmentation of green consumers as a solution to psychographic or demographic predicament. Age cohort and generational cohort (Gen Y and Gen Z) of young consumers are studied for individualization and customization.
Design/methodology/approach
Age cohorts (Gen Z and Gen Y customers) have their unique needs. Both Gen Y (1981-1995) and Gen Z (post-1995) belong to the young consumer segment in the age group of 20-30 years but their generational cohorts are different. Strategic marketing advocates both generational marketing based on age cohorts and segmented marketing for young consumers. Strategic marketing faces cross-road between youth segmentation and generational cohort (Gen Z and Gen Y) due to intersection between the two during the 20-30 age group. Primary data using the ecological conscious consumer behavior (ECCB) scale was collected and analyzed for understanding the individual and relative importance of psychographic and demographic factors in influencing green behavior. The traditional youth segment is sliced into four sub-groups (Young Nest 1-4), and their interaction effect with post hoc analysis was done for the identification of sources of difference between different age cohorts. The findings of the study were compared with previous studies and unique contributions of this study were identified.
Findings
The findings indicate multiple niche young segments with demographic as the primary criterion and psychographic as the building block. Niche level and individual level segments emerge due to the interaction of various factors within a given age cohort. The findings confirm the identity development process which considered age as an important factor that affects varying choices throughout life from adolescence to adulthood.
Practical implications
The findings of this study may be used for effective targeting and positioning strategy of green marketing. In the time of analytics, age cohorts and generational cohort of young consumers can be approached differently for yielding better environmental results. The magnified niche level segmentation of young consumers may be used to develop individualized and customized promotions for young customers in Young Nest 1-4 for an enhanced ECCB.
Originality/value
Previous studies have focused more on consumer characteristics (demographic or psychographic) and their relative importance but niche level segmentation within given demographic segment was not attempted before. This study is unique in offering microscopic analysis of age cohorts of young consumers (Young Nest 1-4) and their interaction with other demographic variables (gender and income) for niche level segmentation.