Search results

This article contrasts the export characteristics of high‐ and low‐involvement exporters in the Scottish food and beverage industry. Firms which derive more than 50 per cent of their turnover from export activity are designated as “high‐involvement” exporters while firms with a lesser dependence upon exporting are designated as “low‐involvement” exporters. Following an examination of the influence of organisational factors on export involvement, the two groups of firms are compared in terms of nine descriptors of export activity. Significant differences are established with regard to a number of export characteristics which are discussed in the light of previous evidence on export involvement.

The world’s urban population is rapidly growing, now exceeding its rural population, and is expected to reach 70% of the world’s total by 2050. Research in environmental psychology increasingly supports the Biophilia Hypothesis which holds that our connection with Nature is innate. Thus, how do we maintain a human connection to Nature in an increasingly urbanising world? This paper is based on current research work and explores the boundary between built and natural environments, specifically how visual connectivity to Nature affects how people use social spaces, compared to spatial connectivity. Case study work is being undertaken at Arcosanti urban laboratory in the Arizona desert. Arcosanti construction began in 1970 to test Paolo Soleri’s Arcology Theory which proposes, in opposition to sprawling cities, a new form of urban setting which is compact with tightly restricted horizontal growth, leaving the surrounding natural environment as undeveloped “wilderness”. Through development of a Space/Nature Syntax methodology applied within a uniquely compact urban form, this research attempts to understand how designing to maintain the instinctive bond with Nature can affect social interaction and inform future design choices within built environments. This paper describes the development of, and basis for, the Space/Nature Syntax methodology, presents initial findings achieved through its recent application at Arcosanti, and outlines future work. Initial analysis indicates that visual connectivity to Nature is a significant influence on certain types of social interactions when compared to spatial connectivity, although more research is needed to verify the level of significance.

THE Library Association Record will, no doubt, produce the appropriate account of the initiation of Mr. Charles Nowell, at Manchester, as President of the Library Association. Only a few words are necessary here to assure the new president of our satisfaftion with the recipient of our highest honour and our assurance of our loyalty. He has had the full apprenticeship from his youth up in the ways of public librarianship and the great work he has done since he has been Chief Librarian of Manchester has had the approval both of the citizens there and, we venture to assert, of the nation. It was specially appropriate that the ceremony, as was the case with Mr. Cashmore at Birmingham, should take place in his own city where the citizens, his Lord Mayor—who entertained the guests splendidly—his Committee and fellow City Officers could share in our tribute. It was even more fitting that that city should be the cradle of librarianship, having our pioneer of pioneers, Edward Edwards, as its first Librarian, and having also had a succession of fine library committees served by a series of quite eminent librarians. One word more; the speeches were worthy of the occasion and Mr. Gordon transferred his own powers to Mr. Nowell with the grace and eloquence he has shown consistently. Our readers will have seen the capital portrait—a speaking likeness—of Mr. Nowell in the January Record.

Highlights two schools of thought, the traditional idea of the older person being more senior within the workplace and the recent suggestion that they are out of date and inflexible. Advocates an era which recognizes the individual regardless of age together with an awareness of the breadth of creativity an experienced individual can add to the company. Suggests methods of recruiting may need revising so that the mature worker is not overlooked.

The international marketing practices and foreign sales of US manufacturing firms are examined in order to identify those marketing variables which are most closely tied to international sales. Survey results suggest that few firms advertise internationally, although advertising is an important determinant of foreign sales, even if that advertising in non‐English‐speaking markets is in English and regardless of its level of standardisation. Results suggest further that manufacture abroad is a powerful stimulus to foreign sales, which is not matched by the presence of sales offices abroad.

Continuing pressure to increase business competitiveness means that organisations are looking for new ways in which to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The old adage says that a company's greatest asset is its people. It is also business law that improving the returns achieved on assets can increase profitability. In terms of staff costs, that could mean increasing productivity, or reducing time lost through staff absence. This paper focuses on absence management, a growing trend in the USA, and one set to spread through the UK. In particular, the paper considers the specific communications issues raised by actively managing absence in the UK. This paper examines how an active approach to absence management could be seen as a challenge to the psychological contract between employer and employee. If any such policy is to succeed there has to be open communication between staff, line managers and senior management about the business case for adopting a new approach. Those responsible for communicating the policy require a clear understanding of the business issues involved, foresight as to the benefits and threats to staff, and an honest appraisal of the organisation's existing culture which will determine how easily absence management objectives can be fulfilled.

Stadium naming rights programs have proliferated over the past decade, yet we have no direct evidence that these types of sponsorship programs help companies develop their long-term brand equity or even provide a short-term boost to corporate value. This paper examines the impact that naming rights programs have had on the stock values of the corporate sponsors. Using event study analysis, it is found that there are mixed responses to these types of programs. A discussion is provided which helps to explain the mixed results and provides communications mangers with some suggestions on creating more effective naming rights programs.

What strategy should top management pursue to enhance the value of the firm or, more specifically, the wealth of the owners or shareholders? This is a perplexing question in light of the many alternative actions being touted by business soothsayers. Consequently, top management is confronted by a variety of competing strategic choices, each presenting an apparently outstanding opportunity for the firm. Invariably, though, more questions than answers are generated in the quest for the corporate Holy Grail.