Gerard P. Hodgkinson, Jo Padmore and Anne E. Tomes
Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis techniques arecommonly employed for the analysis of consumer perceptions of products.However, within the past 10‐15 years, a growing…
Abstract
Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis techniques are commonly employed for the analysis of consumer perceptions of products. However, within the past 10‐15 years, a growing volume of research has shown that the processes underlying similarities judgements of stimuli are incompatible with the fundamental underlying axioms of these techniques. A series of papers in the psychometrics and cognitive psychology literatures by Tversky and his associates have demonstrated the inability of these procedures to handle similarities data from many domains by virtue of the restrictive assumptions they impose on the data. Recently, several procedures have been proposed that overcome the limitations of traditional multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis techniques. The potential benefits are illustrated of applying two of these newer techniques, additive similarity trees (ADDTREE) and extended similarity trees (EXTREE) in the context of marketing research. Consumers′ similarity judgements data are presented from three disparate product domains (newspapers, shops and breakfast cereals). In each case, non‐metric multidimensional scaling and average linkage cluster analysis yield less interpretable solutions than ADDTREE. In the case of the newspapers data, much richer insights are obtained with reference to EXTREE. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for market research studies and the development of consumer behaviour theory.
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Anne E. Tomes and Stephen Chee Peng Ng
Describes the development of a multi‐item scale for assessingin‐patient perceptions of service quality in an NHS or NHS Trusthospital. Presents evidence of the high reliability of…
Abstract
Describes the development of a multi‐item scale for assessing in‐patient perceptions of service quality in an NHS or NHS Trust hospital. Presents evidence of the high reliability of the scale and its factor structure. Five intangible factors emerge: empathy, relationship of mutual respect, dignity, understanding of illness and religious needs, along with two tangible factors: food and physical environment. Results in a trial hospital indicate that patients’ perceptions meet or exceed expectations in respect of four of the seven factors and 22 of the 49 individual variables. Of concern, however, while possibly not generalizable, must be the unfulfilled expectations in respect of the factors “relationship of mutual respect” and “understanding of illness” and the individual variables relating to the various communications between doctors and patients. Not unexpectedly, dissatisfaction is also expressed with the physical environment. Argues that the situation can only be remedied, usually, by a large injection of cash – an unlikely scenario.
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Gender inequality remains very strong in developing countries. Efforts are however made by actors involved in development projects to contribute to reducing these inequalities…
Abstract
Gender inequality remains very strong in developing countries. Efforts are however made by actors involved in development projects to contribute to reducing these inequalities. Using observations coming from field experiences and a specific case for which some sex-disaggregated data are available, the author offers some lessons learned to practitioners. More specifically, this chapter questions the different phases of the project cycle, in particular the planning, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms regarding their role in considering gender. The chapter focuses on the relevance of initial gender diagnostics which allow identifying what needs to be addressed to reduce gender inequalities and proposing adequate solutions in specific cultural contexts. The author then provides some guidelines concerning operational arrangements necessary for effectively monitoring aspects related to the inclusion of women in development projects. This includes the design and implementation of a gender strategy, the designation of a dedicated focal point, the systematic planning and monitoring of sex-disaggregated data, the provision of staff skilled in gender issues, and the presence of a gender balance in project teams and support staff. The chapter emphasizes that it is essential to analyze the differential impacts that the development project may have on men and women; this is rarely done. Experience has shown that development can increase inequality due in particular to initial gender differences. Finally, the chapter recommends that to compensate for differences in initial opportunities and capacities, support for women in the budget should be strengthened.
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This paper aims to serve as an introduction to the scholarly study of L.M. Montgomery through a selection of annotated resources.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to serve as an introduction to the scholarly study of L.M. Montgomery through a selection of annotated resources.
Design/methodology/approach
Items were located using library catalogs, databases, academic reviews, bibliographies, and online searches. Items were evaluated through inspection and consulting academic reviews.
Findings
The body of academic resources and scholarship on Montgomery studies continues to expand. Resources can be found in the form of print bibliographies, biographies, databases, collected essays, edited papers, monographs, periodicals, reference works, and web resources.
Originality/value
While other bibliographic lists of works by or about L.M. Montgomery exist, this resource guide provides a starting point for the scholarly study of Montgomery through a selective introduction and explanation of key secondary sources. This guide may also serve as a tool for building academic library collections.
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Avant‐propos sous les auspices de l'Institut international de Coopération intellectuelle, paraissait en 1934 le t. I, consacré à l'Europe, du Guide international des Archives. Le…
Abstract
Avant‐propos sous les auspices de l'Institut international de Coopération intellectuelle, paraissait en 1934 le t. I, consacré à l'Europe, du Guide international des Archives. Le questionnaire envoyé à tous les États européens comportait sous les points 4 et 6 les questions suivantes: ‘Existe‐t‐il un guide général pour les diverses catégories d'Archives ou des guides particuliers pour l'une ou l'autre d'entre elles?’ et ‘Existe‐t‐il des catalogues imprimés, des publications tant officielles que privées, susceptibles de constituer un instrument complet de référence pour tout ou partie importante des fonds d'archives?’ Les réponses des divers pays à ces questions, malgré leur caractère très inégal, ont fait du Guide international un bon instrument d'information générale sur les Archives. Malheureusement les circonstances ont empêché la publication du volume consacré aux États non européens, tandis que le temps qui s'écoulait tendait à rendre périmés les renseignements fournis sur les Archives européennes.
The number of cash and carry stores has grown significantly in theUK in recent years. This article presents the results of a survey whichwas conducted to investigate the shopping…
Abstract
The number of cash and carry stores has grown significantly in the UK in recent years. This article presents the results of a survey which was conducted to investigate the shopping habits of customers of such stores, the criteria they use in selecting a store and the relative importance of those criteria. Also examined are the similarities and differences between the traditional customers, namely grocers, and the growing segments of caterers and publicans. The findings of the survey have clear implications for cash and carry businesses in respect of their marketing activities in this increasingly competitive sector.
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Anne Reino, Kärt Rõigas and Merily Müürsepp
This paper elaborates on connections between organisational culture (OC) and financial performance in production and service companies in Estonia.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper elaborates on connections between organisational culture (OC) and financial performance in production and service companies in Estonia.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study analyses the organisational culture of 19 SMEs and large service and production companies with 2,256 respondents. The questionnaire based on the Competing Values Framework (CVF) was used to map organisational culture. Six different performance indicators from annual reports in the Estonian Business Register database were used over a four-year period. A confirmatory factor analysis and non-parametric Spearman rank correlation were applied in the study.
Findings
The authors found that OC types are connected to each other and theoretical opposites in the CVF are not mutually exclusive. Strong correlations exit between Clan and Adhocracy cultures, also confirmed by previous studies. Surprisingly, Market and Hierarchy types correlated more strongly in our sample compared to previous studies. As expected, Clan–Adhocracy and Market types exhibited a strong positive correlation with financial indicators, but contrary to the authors’ hypothesis, the Hierarchy type also had positive connections to performance indicators. The Market culture was only significantly related to performance in years when the Hierarchy type was also positively correlated with performance. Correlations that were positive in some years under investigation became insignificant in other years.
Originality/value
First, The authors use multiple objective financial performance indicators to reveal relationships between OC and performance. Second, this study did not only rely on the managers' opinion of OC, but the sample also consists of respondents from all levels of the organisational hierarchy. Third, the authors expand on existing research into the link between OC and performance by exploring a country from the former Soviet Union (FSU), where the number of similar studies is low, but where the specific context has an impact on connections between OC and financial performance of the firms.
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Peter Armstrong and Anne Tomes
To hard‐pressed managements in competitive product markets, the aesthetic design of products appears to offer an attractive means of creating competitive advantage. In this…
Abstract
To hard‐pressed managements in competitive product markets, the aesthetic design of products appears to offer an attractive means of creating competitive advantage. In this situation, researchers on design management are beginning to construct forms of accountability for design so as to guarantee its impact on the market in advance. There are parallels between this initiative and the encroachment of audit controls in the public services. Drawing on theoretical resources developed in the body of research on this ‘audit explosion’, this paper argues that these attempts to subject the design process to audit involve a redefinition of the ‘language’ through which it communicates. Insofar as the result is to subordinate design’s languages of form texture and colour to audit’s languages of words and number, the result is likely to be a self‐defeating reduction of design to rehearsals of the banal, the clichéd and the bland.
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This study aims to provide an overview of recent efforts relating to natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning applied to archival processing, particularly appraisal…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide an overview of recent efforts relating to natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning applied to archival processing, particularly appraisal and sensitivity reviews, and propose functional requirements and workflow considerations for transitioning from experimental to operational use of these tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper has four main sections. 1) A short overview of the NLP and machine learning concepts referenced in the paper. 2) A review of the literature reporting on NLP and machine learning applied to archival processes. 3) An overview and commentary on key existing and developing tools that use NLP or machine learning techniques for archives. 4) This review and analysis will inform a discussion of functional requirements and workflow considerations for NLP and machine learning tools for archival processing.
Findings
Applications for processing e-mail have received the most attention so far, although most initiatives have been experimental or project based. It now seems feasible to branch out to develop more generalized tools for born-digital, unstructured records. Effective NLP and machine learning tools for archival processing should be usable, interoperable, flexible, iterative and configurable.
Originality/value
Most implementations of NLP for archives have been experimental or project based. The main exception that has moved into production is ePADD, which includes robust NLP features through its named entity recognition module. This paper takes a broader view, assessing the prospects and possible directions for integrating NLP tools and techniques into archival workflows.