Derek Devlin, Grete Birtwistle and Norma Macedo
This research conducts a means‐end chain analysis of the food sector and explores the extent to which the findings made can be used to inform the retail positioning strategy of…
Abstract
This research conducts a means‐end chain analysis of the food sector and explores the extent to which the findings made can be used to inform the retail positioning strategy of food retailers. Using means‐end theory as the theoretical underpinning of the study, the paper employs laddering methodology to identify the linkages between food retail store attributes and personal values. The findings of the paper present a more personally relevant representation of consumer’s perceptual orientations towards food retail store image. At the attribute level “good quality products”; “good reputation”; “store has additional services” and “value for money” are most sought after. These were linked to the consequences “feel good” and to “save time”. Overall, the findings support previous value driven research, concluding that “happiness” and “quality of life” are the most strived for personal values. Strategic implications for retailers are discussed and future research recommendations are made.
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Graham Whittaker, Lesley Ledden and Stavros P. Kalafatis
The objectives of this paper are twofold: to add to the debate regarding conceptualisation and operationalisation of value within a professional service domain, and to contribute…
Abstract
Purpose
The objectives of this paper are twofold: to add to the debate regarding conceptualisation and operationalisation of value within a professional service domain, and to contribute to the relatively sparse literature dealing with the functional relationship between determinants and outcomes of value with specific emphasis on the value to satisfaction and intention to re‐purchase relationship in professional services.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretically grounded model has been developed that comprises three antecedents of value (conceptualised as a higher order construct of six dimensions) and satisfaction both of which impact on intention. The model has been tested, using partial least squares, on 78 responses obtained through an email survey carried out amongst executives of the top 300 UK‐based companies listed in the Times 1,000.
Findings
The results indicate that although perceived value is a multi‐dimensional construct treating value as a unified construct may lead to confounding effects. Although further research is needed it is suggested that different dimensions of value act at different levels of the value hierarchy and differentially reflect process and outcome value creation forces in professional services.
Originality/value
This paper adds to the debate surrounding conceptualisations of the value construct by offering empirical support as to its formative nature. Furthermore, this is the first attempt to examine differences in the nomological relationships of value when it is treated as a single higher order construct and when the higher order structure of value is relaxed allowing its dimensions to directly interact with antecedents and consequences.
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Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are…
Abstract
Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.
Valdecy Pereira, Marcio Pereira Basilio and Carlos Henrique Tarjano Santos
This paper presents pyBibX, a Python library devised to conduct comprehensive bibliometric and scientometric analyses on raw data files sourced from Scopus, Web of Science and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents pyBibX, a Python library devised to conduct comprehensive bibliometric and scientometric analyses on raw data files sourced from Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into its core functionality.
Design/methodology/approach
The library executes a comprehensive exploratory data analysis (EDA), presenting outcomes via visually appealing graphical illustrations. Network capabilities have been deftly integrated, encompassing citation, collaboration and similarity analysis. Furthermore, the library incorporates AI capabilities, including embedding vectors, topic modeling, text summarization and other general natural language processing tasks, employing models such as sentence-BERT, BerTopic, BERT, chatGPT and PEGASUS.
Findings
As a demonstration, we have analyzed 184 documents associated with “multiple-criteria decision analysis” published between 1984 and 2023. The EDA emphasized a growing fascination with decision-making and fuzzy logic methodologies. Next, network analysis further accentuated the significance of central authors and intra-continental collaboration, identifying Canada and China as crucial collaboration hubs. Finally, AI analysis distinguished two primary topics and chatGPT’s preeminence in text summarization. It also proved to be an indispensable instrument for interpreting results, as our library enables researchers to pose inquiries to chatGPT regarding bibliometric outcomes. Even so, data homogeneity remains a daunting challenge due to database inconsistencies.
Originality/value
PyBibX is the first application integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities for analyzing scientific publications, enabling researchers to examine and interpret these outcomes more effectively. pyBibX is freely available at https://bit.ly/442wD5z.
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The human aspects of mergers and acquisitions receive less emphasisthan the more easily controlled financial aspects. A review of theexisting literature and research suggests that…
Abstract
The human aspects of mergers and acquisitions receive less emphasis than the more easily controlled financial aspects. A review of the existing literature and research suggests that mergers and acquisitions often fail or are sub‐optimal due to the neglect of these human aspects. Outlines factors which lead to success. Recommends alternatives which may minimize the behavioural problems, but this is unlikely to include the joint venture, since it is quite similar to the full‐blooded merger in many respects. Human and environmental issues will increasingly be on the corporate charter.
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July 17, 1972 Industrial Relations — Action in tort — High Court — Discretion and obligation to stay proceedings — Injurious acts complained of before Industrial Court — Interim…
Abstract
July 17, 1972 Industrial Relations — Action in tort — High Court — Discretion and obligation to stay proceedings — Injurious acts complained of before Industrial Court — Interim order made by Industrial Court — Proceedings in High Court complaining of same acts — Whether acts prevented from being actionable in tort — Whether High Court should stay proceedings — Industrial Relations Act 1971 (c.72) ss. 61(1), 131(1), (2) and (3), 132(4).
Lisa Saffron, Lorenzo Giusti and Derek Pheby
A literature review was carried out of the health impacts of incineration, landfill, composting, landspreading sewage sludge and sewage discharges. A protocol for making…
Abstract
A literature review was carried out of the health impacts of incineration, landfill, composting, landspreading sewage sludge and sewage discharges. A protocol for making judgements about the strength and reliability of the evidence was applied using an algorithm with defined criteria. Possible judgements were “convincing”, “probable”, “possible” or “insufficient”. The review found that the evidence linking any adverse health outcomes with incineration, landfill or landspreading sewage sludge was “insufficient” to claim a causal association. The evidence is “insufficient” to link residence near a centralised composting facility with adverse health outcomes but it is “possible” that working at a centralised composting facility causes health problems. Working in sewage treatment plants “probably” causes gastrointestinal tract problems, headache, fatigue and airways symptoms. The only “convincing” evidence is that gastrointestinal symptoms result from bathing in sewage contaminated recreational waters.