Sebastian Zenker and Erik Braun
City branding has gained popularity as governance strategy. However, the academic underpinning is still poor, and city branding needs a more critical conceptualization, as well as…
Abstract
Purpose
City branding has gained popularity as governance strategy. However, the academic underpinning is still poor, and city branding needs a more critical conceptualization, as well as more complex management systems. This paper challenges the use of a “one size fits all” city brand, which is still common practice in many places. The paper proposes that city branding involves much more complexity than is commonly thought and outlines a strategy that enables urban policy-makers, marketing researchers and (place) marketers alike to better deal with city branding.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors integrate insights from literature on place branding, brand architecture and customer-focused marketing.
Findings
The article argues that place brands (in general and communicated place brands in particular) are by definition very complex, due to their different target groups, diverse place offerings and various associations place customers could have. Thus, an advanced brand management including target group-specific sub-brands is needed.
Practical implications
The model will be helpful for place brand managers dealing with a diverse target audience, and is likely to improve the target group-specific communication.
Originality/value
The paper provides an insight into the complexity of city brands and acknowledges that the perception of city brands can differ considerably among different target groups. Additionally, it offers a more comprehensive definition of place brands. This will be helpful for city brand managers and researchers alike in dealing with city brand complexity.
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Erik Braun, Mihalis Kavaratzis and Sebastian Zenker
This paper deals with the importance of residents within place branding. The aim of this paper is to examine the different roles that residents play in the formation and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper deals with the importance of residents within place branding. The aim of this paper is to examine the different roles that residents play in the formation and communication of place brands and explores the implications for place brand management.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on theoretical insights drawn from the combination of the distinct literatures on place branding, general marketing, tourism, human geography, and collaborative governance. To support its arguments, the paper discusses the participation of citizens in governance processes as highlighted in the urban governance literature as well as the debate among marketing scholars over participatory marketing and branding.
Findings
The paper arrive at three different roles played by the residents: as an integral part of the place brand through their characteristics and behavior; as ambassadors for their place brand who grant credibility to any communicated message; and as citizens and voters who are vital for the political legitimization of place branding. These three roles make the residents a very significant target group of place branding.
Originality/value
Residents are largely neglected by place branding practice and their priorities are often misunderstood, even though they are not passive beneficiaries but are active partners and co‐producers of public goods, services and policies. This paper highlights that only meaningful participation and consultation can produce a more effective and sustainable place branding strengthening the brand communication and avoiding the pitfall of developing “artificial” place brands.
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Per Erik Andersson, Katarina Arbin and Christopher Rosenqvist
The main purpose of this study is to enhance knowledge regarding the early stages of planning for and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in governmental public procurement…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to enhance knowledge regarding the early stages of planning for and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in governmental public procurement. While there are numerous studies on AI and procurement in private companies, there is limited information on AI and public procurement.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical data consists of information obtained from 18 semi-structured interviews with procurement managers and individuals involved in the development of procurement at governmental agencies. Additionally, a workshop was conducted with the respondents to discuss and validate the study’s findings.
Findings
Findings indicate a generally low level of AI maturity in previous research and within the investigated governmental agencies. The perceived benefits of AI primarily revolve around improved operational capabilities, potential for certain process efficiencies and the ability to enhance monitoring through AI. Various challenges related to organizational, process, technological and data management were highlighted. Findings also indicate that perceived benefits and value created by AI can be viewed from a short-term perspective to a long-term perspective.
Social implications
The study provides insights into societal values that can be achieved using AI in public procurement.
Originality/value
This study provides a new perspective on AI in public procurement by focusing on governmental agencies. It explores the perceived benefits, interests and challenges associated with AI implementation in public procurement. Furthermore, this study discusses the potential outcomes of incorporating AI in public procurement and the impact it may have on the values created by the public service, both short- and long term.
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Jerrod A. Henderson, Erik M. Hines, Jared L. Davis, Le Shorn S. Benjamin, Jeannette D. Alarcón and Tyron Slack
In spite of ongoing and recent initiatives aimed at broadening participation in engineering, the representation of diverse groups of learners in engineering graduate programs in…
Abstract
Purpose
In spite of ongoing and recent initiatives aimed at broadening participation in engineering, the representation of diverse groups of learners in engineering graduate programs in the USA remains a challenge. Foregrounding the voices of 26 Black male engineering faculty, this study aims to investigate how institutions might recruit and retain more Black men in engineering graduate programs.
Design/methodology/approach
For this study, inductive thematic analysis was used.
Findings
The authors show that three themes, namely, representation as an asset, invested mentors and faculty, and supportive peer networks described as the “Vibe” manifest as crucial elements for successful recruitment and retention of Black men in engineering graduate programs.
Originality/value
These findings are meant to augment the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion in engineering graduate programs and to address a dearth of published research on the Black male engineering population. This work is also meant to help institutions conceptualize ways to create a “Vibe” that might be transferable to their institution’s sociocultural context.
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Erik L. Lachance and Milena M. Parent
Pressures from non-profit sport organizations’ (NPSOs) external environment influence governance structures and processes. Thus, this study explores the impact of external factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Pressures from non-profit sport organizations’ (NPSOs) external environment influence governance structures and processes. Thus, this study explores the impact of external factors on NPSO board decision making.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of six NPSO boards (two national, four provincial/territorial), data were collected via 36 observations, 18 interviews, and over 900 documents. A thematic analysis was conducted via NVivo 12.
Findings
Results identified two external factors impacting NPSO board decision making: the sport system structure and general environment conditions. External factors impacted NPSO board decision making in terms of duration, flow, interaction, and scrutiny.
Originality/value
Results demonstrate the need for NPSO boards to engage in boundary-spanning activities whereby external information sources from stakeholders are incorporated to make informed decisions. Practically, NPSO boards should harness virtual meetings to continue their operations while incorporating risk management analyses to assess threats and opportunities.
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Mohammad Amin Kuhail, Ons AL-Shamaileh, Justin Thomas, Erik Thornquist and Syed Jawad Hussain Shah
This study investigates the impact of emoji use and user personality traits (conscientiousness vs extraversion) on user behavior in the context of academic advising. It uniquely…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of emoji use and user personality traits (conscientiousness vs extraversion) on user behavior in the context of academic advising. It uniquely considers the interaction between these chatbot characteristics and human users' dominant personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion).
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-factor design experiment involving 153 university students was employed. Participants interacted with four different chatbot conditions: a conscientious bot and an extroverted bot, each with and without emojis.
Findings
The inclusion of emojis negatively influenced users' intentions to use the chatbots but did not affect trust, perceived authenticity or intended engagement with the bots. Additionally, the students' personality traits played a role in evaluating the different chatbot types.
Originality/value
This research introduces a novel approach by integrating emoji use and human personality traits into chatbot communication, focusing on academic advising. It examines the interaction effects of emojis and personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion) on user behavior, also considering the user’s personality traits. This work enriches the human-computer interaction field and guides future chatbot development.