Guido Friebel, Matthias Heinz, Ingo Weller and Nick Zubanov
Using data from a retail chain of 193 bakery shops that underwent downsizing, we study the effects of two types of downsizing announcements – closure or sale to another operator �…
Abstract
Using data from a retail chain of 193 bakery shops that underwent downsizing, we study the effects of two types of downsizing announcements – closure or sale to another operator – on sales in the affected shops, and how these effects are moderated by job security perceptions. On average, sales in the affected shops go down by 26% after a closure announcement and by 7% after a sale announcement. Sales decline more sharply in shops where employees had higher job security perceptions before the announcement. Our findings are consistent with psychological contract theory: a breach of an implicit contract promising job security in exchange for work effort results in a reciprocal effort withdrawal. We rule out several alternative explanations to our findings.
Details
Keywords
Helge Fischer, Linda Heise, Matthias Heinz, Kathrin Moebius and Thomas Koehler
The purpose of this paper is to introduce methodology and findings of a trend study in the field of e-learning. The overall interest of the study was the analysis of scientific…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce methodology and findings of a trend study in the field of e-learning. The overall interest of the study was the analysis of scientific e-learning discourses. What comes next in the field of academic e-learning? Which e-learning trends dominate the discourse at universities? Answering such questions is the basis for the adaptation of service strategies and IT-infrastructures within institutions of higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
Which e-learning formats dominate the current scientific discourse? To answer this question, a trend study based on a content analysis was performed. The abstracts of 427 scientific articles of leading German-speaking e-learning conferences Gesellschaft für Medien in der Wissenschaft and E-Learning-Fachtagungen der Gesellschaft für Informatik e. V. (GMW and DeLFI) – published from 2007 to 2013 – were examined. A category scheme was derived from the Horizon Report. The category scheme then was gradually expanded and adapted to the data material during the investigation.
Findings
This paper found that the detailed analysis of the frequency distribution over the seven years reflects the intensity of scientific discussion towards e-learning trends within the investigation period, and conclusions about the didactical or technical potentials of innovations can be drawn because both conferences are different in terms of their objective. The authors also classified the life stages of selected innovations based on the Gartner hype cycles, and the striking findings of the study will be formulated in the form of assumptions, which reflect the development potential of learning management, mobile learning, virtual worlds, e-portfolio, social media and Massive Open Online Courses in German Higher Education.
Research limitations/implications
Only abstracts of the selected contributions were investigated. Errors in the category allocation due to unclear terminology cannot be excluded. Organisers of the investigated conferences often define the (main) topics. This influenced the spectrum of represented topics overall, as well as the focus of individual contributions. The above-presented study was conducted at German-speaking conferences and, therefore, reflects the situation in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. No conclusions about actors or institutional relationships can be made, in contrast to the original assumptions of discourse analysis. The categorial classification of contributions does not allow any conclusions about the quality of the discourse.
Originality/value
The study shows how proceedings of scientific conferences can be used for trend studies. It became clear that discourse analytical studies can be used complementary to other methods of future studies. The advantage of this methodology lies mainly in the easy access to the text material, as conference proceedings are mostly available online. In addition, the analysis of large amounts of data (or texts) can be greatly facilitated by use of digital technologies (e.g. by automatic analysis of keyword). This paper makes an important contribution to the diffusion of digital media in higher education.
Details
Keywords
David Wagner, Matthias Wenzel, Heinz-Theo Wagner and Jochen Koch
The purpose of this paper is to explore and illustrate how organizations may use online communities strategically to adapt to a changing business environment, specifically from a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and illustrate how organizations may use online communities strategically to adapt to a changing business environment, specifically from a dynamic capabilities perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents empirical evidence from three cases.
Findings
Online communities may help organizations to adapt to a changing business environment by allowing them to sense opportunities and threats, seize opportunities and reconfigure organizational assets.
Research limitations/implications
The paper contributes to both the strategy and the information systems literatures by providing empirical insights into the strategic use of online communities.
Practical implications
The results of the paper are relevant for managers, helping them to understand the strategic role online communities (may) play and illustrating ways to use them accordingly.
Originality/value
The paper addresses a previously defined gap in the literature and provides novel empirical evidence. As online communities become integral parts of digital strategy and open innovation initiatives, the paper is both timely and relevant.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to give the reader an insight into the evolution of a fast‐growing and innovative Internet company by helping to understand the web portal business in Germany and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to give the reader an insight into the evolution of a fast‐growing and innovative Internet company by helping to understand the web portal business in Germany and to identify and assess strategies to transform an Internet portal to an Internet communications enterprise.
Design/methodology/approach
The case is based on field research accomplished together with executives of the company.
Findings
The case shows that implementing a professional management structure and a continuous strategic analysis of the competitive environment are crucial for being successful in a dynamic Internet business.
Practical implications
Teachers can use this case study in advanced management courses for applying methodologies of strategic analysis, e.g. M. Porter's five‐forces‐model, value‐chain analysis, concept of key success factors, SWOT‐analysis. Students are expected to know basics about financial analysis, and information technologies. Managers can take the case as a best practice example for successful entrepreneurship in the Internet world.
Originality/value
The paper provides insights into the strategies of an innovative Internet company.
Details
Keywords
Antoinette Kieback, Horst Lichter, Matthias Schneider‐Hufschmidt and Heinz Züllighoven
Presents five case studies of industrial software projectsspecifically involving prototyping. Designates projects ranging from 240person‐years to two person‐years involving large…
Abstract
Presents five case studies of industrial software projects specifically involving prototyping. Designates projects ranging from 240 person‐years to two person‐years involving large industrial corporations to small/medium software manufacturers. Analyses the benefits and limitations of prototyping. Concludes that prototyping is conducive to the quality of the product and the development process, particularly when used in conjunction with an evolutionary development strategy and when all parties are aware of the benefits and limitations.
Details
Keywords
David B. Heinz and Matthias Tomenendal
There is a stream of literature highlighting the enormous growth potential of emerging markets. This literature forms the basis for strategic investment decisions made by…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a stream of literature highlighting the enormous growth potential of emerging markets. This literature forms the basis for strategic investment decisions made by multinational corporations (MNCs). Seeking to question the findings of this literature, this paper aims to undertake a comparison of the BRIC countries with that of Germany as a representative mature market to put into perspective the short to medium‐term market potential of BRIC markets.
Design/methodology/approach
An analysis of the geographical investment priorities of 25 DAX multinationals operating in the real economy and a statistical comparison of market size and growth between BRIC countries and Germany are undertaken.
Findings
While the majority of the DAX companies examined focused their strategic investment priorities on emerging markets, the short‐ to mid‐term revenue potential of the BRIC countries – currently the most important emerging markets – are expected to be lower in absolute terms than those for mature markets such as Germany. This holds true on several levels of granularity, such as GPD per capita, size and growth of high‐income market segments.
Research limitations/implications
The considerable “hype” surrounding focusing investment on emerging markets needs closer scrutiny. Further research is required to subject the reasons behind the strategic investments of MNCs in BRIC countries to more detailed analysis. This encompasses, for example, a closer consideration of the extent to which messages from the company reports might not reflect true strategic priorities but rather represent a means of public relations or tactical ploys. Next, the impact of real long‐term expectations and potential bandwagon effects require further study. Finally, a comprehensive theoretical model placing emerging market growth into a broader perspective has yet to be developed.
Practical implications
Decision makers in business, government and NGOs should not be misled by the “hype” surrounding emerging markets. In many industries, BRIC countries do and will provide smaller markets when compared to mature markets like Germany.
Originality/value
Direct comparison of market growth in the BRIC countries and that in Germany reveals greater short‐ to medium‐term absolute growth potential in Germany, a fact often ignored by current literature on international growth strategies and not reflected in the growth priorities published by German DAX companies.
Details
Keywords
The quality of an education system or a comparative international assessment refers more and more to quantitative parameters, i.e. “educational indicators”. The paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The quality of an education system or a comparative international assessment refers more and more to quantitative parameters, i.e. “educational indicators”. The paper aims to analyse the structure of several educational indicators and indicator systems and answer the question “What can educational indicators achieve?”
Design/methodology/approach
Starting with a general consideration of the term “indicator” the findings are applied to the educational area and the development of educational indicators is analysed critically.
Findings
Indicators allow for the illustration of outcomes and of system processes. Beginning in the 1950s, following the empirical turn in research methods, and the growing significance of approaches from economics of education, indicators are now applied in national and international settings. The findings show that the combination of the quantitative and qualitative approach is more successful as the isolated research.
Research limitations/implications
The research is based on secondary analysis. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodology should be undertaken in following the progress of educational systems.
Originality/value
The findings of quantitative research based on educational indicators determine the general public and political discussion and often the discourse in the scientific community. The analysis shows that a critical distance especially when preparing political decisions is a necessary attitude.