Marwan A. Wafa, J. Michael McDonald and Mahmoud M. Yasin
This study examines computer usage patterns in the U.S. construction industry. One hundred and seven subjects, consisting of managers at different managerial levels and…
Abstract
This study examines computer usage patterns in the U.S. construction industry. One hundred and seven subjects, consisting of managers at different managerial levels and professional support staff, participated in this study. This study shows that the subjects exhibit significant differences with regard to their extent of use, nature of use, and degree of satisfaction with decision support systems. Implications of these findings to decision support systems design and effective utilization are discussed.
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J. Michael McDonald and J. Bernard Keys
The ability to make quantum leaps in changing organizations isbecoming a survival need for both managers and their organizations.Managers are needed who can build networks to…
Abstract
The ability to make quantum leaps in changing organizations is becoming a survival need for both managers and their organizations. Managers are needed who can build networks to funnel diverse views upward from the lower levels where the need for change is often first detected. Describes how a multipart “Influence Development Programme” was devised and attended by 53 deans of business schools – it being recognized that to be effective, deans, as much as managers in business, need to be able to influence others both within and outside their work environment.
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Focuses on the lessons learned by a CEO during a long career ofsuccessfully managing several different large organizations during major“turnarounds”. The lessons are on the…
Abstract
Focuses on the lessons learned by a CEO during a long career of successfully managing several different large organizations during major “turnarounds”. The lessons are on the barriers faced to implementing changes, why the changes were needed, what approaches were used to build support for change, and how the changes were maintained.
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J. Michael McDonald and J. Bernard Keys
Identifies seven major errors found frequently in teambuilding programmes. Each of the errors, all management failures, are illustrated by real life episodes. Guidelines are…
Abstract
Identifies seven major errors found frequently in teambuilding programmes. Each of the errors, all management failures, are illustrated by real life episodes. Guidelines are presented for overcoming each of these deadly sins: malselection, impatience, deception, aimlessness, powerlessness, inhibited communications, and competitive mania.
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Robert J. Harrington, Michael C. Ottenbacher and Simon Fauser
This study aims to examine the quick service restaurant (QSR) differentiation in the minds of consumers, customers and non-customers and addresses the use of absolute measures…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the quick service restaurant (QSR) differentiation in the minds of consumers, customers and non-customers and addresses the use of absolute measures. The study integrated competitive context and customer vs non-customer perceptions to better understand marketing strategies and the impact on customer value.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework is provided with marketing strategy, 7Ps, value positioning and outcomes. A survey instrument to assess perceptions of QSR marketing mix dimensions and leading QSR brands as referents was used. The study used exploratory factor analysis, ANOVA and logistic regression to address research questions.
Findings
The five QSR brands were differentiated by three marketing mix dimensions: quality, convenience and price. Subway and Starbucks customers perceived higher quality than McDonald’s and Burger King. Price separated Starbucks and McDonald’s customers. Overall, QSR customers perceived higher quality and convenience than non-customers. Age group was a predictor of customer membership of QSR overall and McDonald’s.
Research limitations/implications
The study used participants in Germany and had more respondents identified as McDonald’s customers or referent.
Practical implications
The quality bundle represents unique resources for each QSR brand. Management teams should use a holistic mindset in considering the quality bundle reputation and how the various attributes support each other.
Originality/value
Consumers look to three factors for QSR rather than 7Ps: quality, convenience and price. Relative comparisons of perceptions among brands and between customers vs non-customers provided important contributions for QSR marketing mix factors.
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Pushpinder Gill, Stephen K. Kim and Preetinder Kaur
This study aims to examine the performance outcomes of a store’s ownership concentration within a multi-unit franchise (MUF) network, emphasizing the nuanced effects under varying…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the performance outcomes of a store’s ownership concentration within a multi-unit franchise (MUF) network, emphasizing the nuanced effects under varying competitive conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of all stores within the McDonald’s chain over an eight-year span. The research methodology incorporated a review of over 11 million customer evaluations to discern patterns in customer satisfaction and sales growth in relation to the store’s ownership concentration.
Findings
Stores with a pronounced ownership concentration showcased enhanced outcomes in both customer satisfaction and sales growth. However, the magnitude of these effects was moderated by the nature of competitive conditions, specifically focal market competition, non-focal market competition and legal safeguards.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s concentration on McDonald’s stores introduces a specificity that might limit the universal applicability of the findings to all franchise models or sectors. Additionally, the emphasis on the store level of analysis potentially overlooks broader systemic factors.
Practical implications
For managers and franchise owners, understanding the nuanced roles of ownership concentration can provide strategic insights. Recognizing how different competitive conditions can moderate the effects of ownership concentration can help in making informed decisions about power dynamics and competitive positioning.
Social implications
A store’s ownership concentration can have broader societal ramifications, potentially shaping consumer perceptions, community engagement and overall market health. As an owner’s stores concentrate spatially, they can contribute to a healthier market ecosystem, benefitting consumers and communities alike.
Originality/value
While the vertical power between the franchisor and franchisee owners have been studied, this study extends the discourse to power between MUF owners. This study provides novel insights by showing customer centric and firm centric performance outcomes of ownership concentration.
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Steve McDonald, S. Michael Gaddis, Lindsey B. Trimble and Lindsay Hamm
Purpose – The introductory chapter to this special issue highlights contemporary scholarship on networks, work, and inequality.Methodology – We review the last decade of research…
Abstract
Purpose – The introductory chapter to this special issue highlights contemporary scholarship on networks, work, and inequality.Methodology – We review the last decade of research on this topic, identifying four key areas investigation: (1) networks and hiring, (2) networks and the labor process, (3) networks and outcomes at work, and (4) networks and institutional dynamics.Findings – Social networks play an important role in understanding the mechanisms by which and the conditions under which economic inequality is reproduced across gender, race, and social class distinctions. Throughout the review, we point to numerous opportunities for future research to enhance our understanding of these social processes.
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Bradley J. Bondi, David Slovick and Michael Wheatley
To provide an overview of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) new self-reporting and cooperation program.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide an overview of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) new self-reporting and cooperation program.
Design/methodology/approach
Summarizes the key features of the CFTC’s new cooperation program and the CFTC’s statement of its purpose in enacting the program; provides the authors’ views on the likely implications of the program for CFTC enforcement actions.
Findings
Whether the CFTC’s self-reporting and cooperation program will be a useful tool for deterring misconduct remains to be seen as the CFTC begins to implement it, but there are indications that it may encourage cooperation. If properly implemented, the program has the potential to benefit the CFTC and regulated parties significantly.
Originality/value
Practical insights on a new CFTC policy from experienced civil enforcement lawyers.
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David Boje, Esther Enríquez, M. Teresa González and Eduardo Macías
Architectonics is proposed as a dialogic theory and method to research three discursive spheres: McDonald's corporation, McDonaldization, and McDonaldland.
Abstract
Purpose
Architectonics is proposed as a dialogic theory and method to research three discursive spheres: McDonald's corporation, McDonaldization, and McDonaldland.
Design/methodology/approach
Bakhtin proposed architectonics as a new method for the human sciences, one that interanimates cognitive with ethical and aesthetic systemness. This essay develops architectonics further, and applies it to the study of globalization and localization of the McDonald's and Wal‐Mart corporations, which now cohabits with each other in New Mexico (and elsewhere).
Findings
A general inquiry system is suggested as a framework to analyze the architectonics of other organizations, in future international studies.
Originality/value
Through the application of the notion of architectonics to the McDonald's and Wal‐Mart corporations the authors develop an innovative approach to understanding organizations.