Eric Bentzen, John K. Christiansen and Claus J. Varnes
Managers' attention is a scarce resource in complex innovation settings. Prior research on the factors to which managers pay attention is mostly based on surveys. The present…
Abstract
Purpose
Managers' attention is a scarce resource in complex innovation settings. Prior research on the factors to which managers pay attention is mostly based on surveys. The present study aims to address the need for knowledge about the behavior of decision makers based on observations from portfolio meetings. The study seeks to investigate how managers allocate their attention and the role of different factors for their attention. Observations also make it possible to compare prior research and expectations with the actual observed behavior of decision makers.
Design/methodology/approach
The present analysis draws on insights from previous research into decision making in product and portfolio management and studies on organizational decision making. The authors frame why the attention of decision makers is so critical in complex situations. Data for this study were collected through direct observation, from a portfolio management system, and from an information quality measurement system in an internationally operating petrochemical company. Observations were transcribed, coded and analyzed with regression analysis using the Proc Lifereg procedure in SAS.
Findings
Six potential factors that might explain decision makers' attention are identified. The analysis shows that the quality of information was not significant for explaining variations of decision makers' attention; but, even more surprisingly, differences in project status did not explain variations in attention. Delayed projects did not get significantly more attention than those delivered on time. By controlling for other project characteristics, the newness of projects to the corporate portfolio was found to be the most important parameter.
Originality/value
First, the analysis is based on observations from actual meetings rather than from surveys. Second, several observations contradict prior research on product development, e.g. it has been argued that decision makers should pay special attention to certain phases and projects having trouble meeting expectations towards planned deadlines. It is also new that findings on the different treatment of new projects and ongoing projects have been brought forward in research on product and portfolio management.
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– This paper aims to study the growth determinants of small-sized agro-based firms in the Indian agro-industry.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the growth determinants of small-sized agro-based firms in the Indian agro-industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The stratified random sampling method was used to collect information from sample agro-firms. A structured pretested questionnaire was designed to collect required data. Descriptive statistics and multivariate technique were used to analyze the data.
Findings
The major determinants of firm growth were firm size, managerial networking intensity, skill development of employees, product diversification and market integration. Employee skill development was found to be a significant predictor of firm growth in slow-growing firms, but held as a weak predictor of growth in fast-growing firms; whereas, use of information technology was a significant growth predictor in fast-growing firms and an insignificant growth predictor in slow-growing firms. To attain growth, small-sized agro-based firms should move from a traditional product-focus strategy to a flexible market-focus strategy.
Research limitations/implications
This study engaged a small sample size and focused only on the determinants of firm growth in the agro-industry, and mapped number of firm growth predictors. The implication of this study encourages more specific investigations with large samples, i.e. how each determinant influences firm growth in the agro-industry.
Practical implications
The study outcome would help agro-enterprises in designing strategies and aligning their current strategy with the desired strategy for firm growth.
Social implications
Policy makers especially engaged in self-employment and enterprise development can use the study outcome for policy planning.
Originality/value
In recent years, the electronic and computer industry in India has developed and reached to an unexpected height. The agro-industry, in contrast, is still struggling due to its inherent weakness and external threats. The need of the hour is to expedite firm-level competitiveness, managerial excellence and business strategy for growth and survival. Therefore, the present study based on survey data adds value to the firm growth strategies in the agro-industry.
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Aysha Batool, Rizwan Shabbir, Muhammad Abrar and Ahmad Raza Bilal
This research aims to investigate the impact of fear and perceived knowledge (PK) of Covid-19 on the sustainable consumption behaviour (SCB) of Muslim consumers and to test the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to investigate the impact of fear and perceived knowledge (PK) of Covid-19 on the sustainable consumption behaviour (SCB) of Muslim consumers and to test the mediating role of (intrinsic) religiosity.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 417 responses were collected during Covid-19 lockdown through an online structured survey using the snowball technique. A two-step research approach was adopted. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was performed on the SCB measurement scale through SPSS. In Study 2, hypothesised associations were analysed using SmartPLS-SEM.
Findings
PK of Covid-19 pandemic directly motivates SCB in Muslim consumers, whereas fear has no direct effect on any factor of SCB. Religiosity is found to be a significant driver of SCB. Indirect effects also depict that religiosity positively mediates the association between fear and SCB as well as PK and SCB.
Practical implications
The study may guide policymakers and marketers in using the current pandemic as a tool to inspire sustainable consumption. Religious values, teachings and knowledge about the pandemics can be publicised to create awareness and induce desired behaviour to cope with adverse events and adopt sustainable consumption patterns and lifestyles among Muslim consumers.
Originality/value
The article is the pioneer of its kind to present survey research about Covid-19 fear and PK’s impact on SCB through religiosity. It adds to the Islamic marketing literature about religiosity, coping theory, PK and fear of pandemics and their role in transitioning Muslim consumers towards SCB. Moreover, the use of partial least squares structural equation modelling in the context of Covid-19 research was extended.
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Dora Yeboah, Masud Ibrahim and Kingsley Agyapong
This study aims to investigate the drivers that motivate employees and guests' hotel service participation to understand how that can influence the implementation of Value…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the drivers that motivate employees and guests' hotel service participation to understand how that can influence the implementation of Value Co-Creation (VCC) in sub-Saharan African context.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an interpretive paradigm, the study draws on 32 in-depth interviews, 6 focus group discussions involving 32 participants and participant observation field notes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The study unravels nine motives that drive employee–guest VCC participation: passion, relationship, belongingness, shared and enhanced experiences, satisfaction, reputation development, openness, communication and rewards.
Research limitations/implications
This exploratory, cross-sectional study was undertaken in hotels within sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, findings cannot be generalised. However, it provides an opportunity for future quantitative approaches within different contexts involving other stakeholders.
Practical implications
Considering the numerous challenges from COVID-19 pandemic on the service industry, hotel managers might want to use the findings to not only formulate policies that support employee–guest co-creation for service improvement and survival but also introduce enhanced innovative service practices that deliver on employee and guest service expectations for retention. The findings encourage hotel managers to identify employee and guest context-specific motivations to be able to match with value-driven service activities, aimed at attracting positive behaviours to better respond to the numerous COVID-19-related challenges.
Originality/value
This work adds to the VCC literature by investigating the collective and individual drivers at the employee and guest dyadic level within sub-Saharan African hotel context. The authors propose a comprehensive model to guide the successful implementation of employee–guest VCC.