This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/09564239910282316. When citing the…
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/09564239910282316. When citing the article, please cite: Roger Hallowell, (1999), “Exploratory research: consolidations and economies of scope”, International Journal of Service Industry Management, Vol. 10 Iss: 4, pp. 359 - 368.
The consolidation of numerous highly‐fragmented US service industries has attracted considerable capital inflows during the 1990s. Fundamental questions about this phenomenon…
Abstract
The consolidation of numerous highly‐fragmented US service industries has attracted considerable capital inflows during the 1990s. Fundamental questions about this phenomenon include the sources of value in consolidations, and how these firms avoid the diseconomies of scale and scope noted in the service management literature. This paper introduces the consolidation phenomenon, discusses relevant theory, and begins to develop a framework useful in the understanding of scope economies for services.
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This paper develops a framework exploring the question, “How does service affect the economics of e‐commerce?” Development of the framework requires an understanding of the…
Abstract
This paper develops a framework exploring the question, “How does service affect the economics of e‐commerce?” Development of the framework requires an understanding of the different forms service takes in e‐commerce. These are described as “virtual” (either pure information or automated) and “physical” (requiring some degree of human intervention). The framework suggests that because the nature and quantity of physical service necessary to deliver value to customers influences the quantity of human intervention required, it also influences a firm’s ratio of variable to fixed costs, which alters its “scalability”. The paradox comes in that while reduced scalability is viewed negatively by many venture capitalists and proponents of e‐commerce, the cause of that reduction in scalability, human intervention, may help a firm to differentiate its offering to customers, thus providing a source of competitive advantage.
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To discuss best practice for executive development for services.
Abstract
Purpose
To discuss best practice for executive development for services.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on personal experience and knowledge of the “industry” (Guru Piece).
Findings
The approach to executive development described provides an example of best practice that may be applicable to some service organizations.
Originality/value
This paper is useful both to executives wanting a more holistic and theoretically‐effective approach to executive development, and to academics interested in examining a unique, holistic, and potentially more‐effective model for executive development.
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Presents the findings of a study performed on data from a large bank’s retail‐banking operations. Illustrates the relationship of customer satisfaction to customer loyalty, and…
Abstract
Presents the findings of a study performed on data from a large bank’s retail‐banking operations. Illustrates the relationship of customer satisfaction to customer loyalty, and customer loyalty to profitability, using multiple measures of satisfaction, loyalty, and profitability. An estimate of the effects of increased customer satisfaction on profitability (assuming hypothesized causality) suggests that attainable increases in satisfaction could dramatically improve profitability.
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Across country and regional borders firms are faced with the question whether to address individual markets on a stand-alone basis or cooperatively. In order to support such…
Abstract
Purpose
Across country and regional borders firms are faced with the question whether to address individual markets on a stand-alone basis or cooperatively. In order to support such strategic decisions, this paper aims to develop a decision framework accounting for the most relevant market dynamics affecting joint venture (JV) decisions, particularly in the truck industry. Moreover, the authors apply the framework to an expert Delphi and scenario approach to back a Western original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) JV decision in the truck industry in Russia. Based on country-specific projections structured along the globally applicable decision framework, the authors serve executives’ individual information demand in an institutionally unique emerging market environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Online real-time expert Delphi study; scenario analysis; and expert workshops were used in this study.
Findings
Among other insights, the results predict hard times for Russian OEMs as they will likely face strong foreign competition, leading to decreased sales volumes and market shares. Although some experts doubt the survival of several Russian truck manufacturers, the Delphi sheds light on possible strategic responses, including consolidation, cooperation or focusing on new markets. Based on the Delphi results and an additional expert workshop, we draw multiple scenarios addressing, particularly, uncertain aspects of the industry’s development and their likely impact on the key stakeholder groups.
Originality/value
Although there are some studies following a similar methodological approach as that in this study (von der Gracht and Darkow, 2010; Gnatzy and Moser, 2012), the authors break new ground in developing a JV-dedicated decision framework and applying it to a special emerging market industry setup.
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This project of derivation that I have just described may seem strange, but is not. In this as in many respects Plato set the fashion for the millennia to come. The ideal state…
Abstract
This project of derivation that I have just described may seem strange, but is not. In this as in many respects Plato set the fashion for the millennia to come. The ideal state sketched in the Republic is not only an analogy to the soul (though it is that too); it is an implication of Plato's conception of human mental capacity, a conception that is ontological as well as epistemological. It was Plato who, according to Aristotle, first separated a universal (i.e., a concept) from particulars (i.e., a concept's physical embodiments or expressions). There are a multitude of chairs, very different in size, shape, color, and design, yet there is also a concept of the “chair,” in which all the physical chairs participate. The concept has no physical body and therefore in a sense exists outside time and space – it is immaterial and eternal. But Plato believed, reasonably as it seems to me, that it is real. It is real in the same way that a line or circle in Euclidean geometry is real even though it is not identical to any physical line or circle and cannot be – the Euclidean line has only one dimension, and the Euclidean circle only two, and there are no one-or two-dimensional objects in the physical world (although electrons are dimensionless), as far as we know.
Seyi S. Stephen, Ayodeji E. Oke, Clinton O. Aigbavboa, Opeoluwa I. Akinradewo, Pelumi E. Adetoro and Matthew Ikuabe
This chapter explored health and safety considerations in stealth construction, emphasising the integration of advanced technologies and innovative practices. It commences with a…
Abstract
This chapter explored health and safety considerations in stealth construction, emphasising the integration of advanced technologies and innovative practices. It commences with a general introduction, followed by a historical overview of safety practices in the construction industry, highlighting the evolution of a safety culture. The chapter examined various health and safety management techniques, including policy formulation, safety training programs, and job safety analysis. Additionally, it discussed current trends such as wearable technology, IoT, VR/AR, and predictive analytics. The unique requirements of stealth construction are addressed, focusing on building cross-section design, visibility, application of radio frequency emission and countermeasures. Finally, it presents a comprehensive approach to achieving stealth construction, emphasising environmental protection, safety, speed, economy, and aesthetics, and provides practical examples to illustrate these concepts.
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Hanan Ahmed Al-Balushi, Harcharanjit Singh and Irfan Saleem
This study, using stakeholder theory and diffusion of innovations (DOIs), aims to examine the readiness of Omani health-care firms to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). This…
Abstract
Purpose
This study, using stakeholder theory and diffusion of innovations (DOIs), aims to examine the readiness of Omani health-care firms to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). This adoption is seen as a key step towards ensuring green innovation and sustainable performance (SP) in the health-care sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted convenience and referral sampling techniques to enhance the response rate for the limited number of health-care firms using AI. Using explanatory research design, structure equation modelling and employees as the unit of analysis, a random sample technique is used to distribute the structured questionnaire to five hospitals in North Al-Batinah, including Shinas, Liwa and Sohar cities. Smart PLS 4.1 analyses the responses.
Findings
The research demonstrates that AI could significantly enhance SP, a finding that is of utmost importance in the current health-care landscape. This study also tested green knowledge sharing as a boundary condition. Furthermore, the study’s findings indicate that AI leads to the emergence of green innovation and SP, suggesting that firms are willing to adopt AI and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Practical implications
This study implies that stakeholders, including the Omani Government and Middle Eastern firms, should prioritize investments in AI technologies tailored to sustainability initiatives.
Originality/value
This research study makes three significant and unique contributions. Firstly, it uniquely integrates stakeholder and DOIs theories to explain the mediating function of green innovation and the moderating effect of green knowledge sharing. Secondly, it provides a unique Middle Eastern context, where the government’s focus on the health sector is crucial. Finally, this study outlines a clear and actionable pathway for the Middle East to achieve the SDGs, thereby enlightening the reader on the potential of AI in the health-care sector.