Gail Kinman and Russell Kinman
As they seek to develop a culture of “lifelong learning”, many UK companies are providing “in‐house” education and training for their employees. Some programmes make use of the…
Abstract
As they seek to develop a culture of “lifelong learning”, many UK companies are providing “in‐house” education and training for their employees. Some programmes make use of the techniques of “work‐based” learning to achieve greater synergy between work roles and an academic curriculum. This paper examines the possibility that the main motivational factors for manager participants to undertake and complete one such programme are not necessarily conducive to the most effective forms of learning. It reviews some of the literature focusing upon the motivation and learning styles of mature students, and uses this as a basis for examination of data from questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews with participants administered as part of a longitudinal research programme. Questions are raised about the suitability of the workplace as a site for successful academic learning and the value of such programmes to assist companies to become “learning organisations”.
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This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/02634509910260922. When citing the…
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/02634509910260922. When citing the article, please cite: Shuliang Li, Yanqing Duan, Russell Kinman, John S. Edwards, (1999), “A framework for a hybrid intelligent system in support of marketing strategy development”, Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 17 Iss 2 pp. 70 - 79.
Yanqing Duan and Russell Kinman
Small businesses play a crucial role in national and local economies, but their problems are not always accorded the same importance as those of larger organisations. Research…
Abstract
Small businesses play a crucial role in national and local economies, but their problems are not always accorded the same importance as those of larger organisations. Research shows that many small businesses fail from lack of management ability. It has been argued that small businesses can improve their performance and increase their competitiveness with better information and decision support systems (DSS). Study of the few research papers available reveals that the current use of computers in small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) is often limited, and geared to operational support rather than managerial decision making. The work discussed in this paper investigated current DSS use in small manufacturing businesses in Bedfordshire, and canvassed the views of managers as to what additional support they most needed. Conclusions are drawn from the results of interviews with managers of six small manufacturing businesses and a large‐scale self‐report survey of Bedfordshire firms.
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Musa Magena, Russell Kinman and David Citron
This paper provides insight into the importance of interim reports of UK listed companies to investment analysts. The primary objective of financial reporting is assumed to be the…
Abstract
This paper provides insight into the importance of interim reports of UK listed companies to investment analysts. The primary objective of financial reporting is assumed to be the provision of information to help investors make rational investment decisions. In this study, a survey of financial analysts and fund managers was undertaken to determine their perception of the importance of 113 items disclosed in interim reports. The main findings demonstrate that both financial analysts and fund managers perceive disclosure items in the profit and loss account and cash flow statement sections as the most important. Additionally, the results show that there are similarities between financial analysts and fund managers with regard to the relative usefulness of items in the profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statements and accounting policies and notes. However, significant differences exist between the two groups with respect to management commentary information. Overall, the conclusion that can be drawn from these results is that increased disclosure in interim reports is useful to investment analysts. These findings are important for policy‐makers and companies as the views of investment analysts (as users of financial reports) are essential in the attempt to improve disclosure.
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Shuliang Li, Yanqing Duan, Russell Kinman and John S. Edwards
A framework for a hybrid intelligent support system is proposed, on the basis of a discussion of the main problems of current computer‐based support systems and the roles for…
Abstract
A framework for a hybrid intelligent support system is proposed, on the basis of a discussion of the main problems of current computer‐based support systems and the roles for computer‐based systems in developing marketing strategy. The objectives of the framework are: to integrate the strengths of different support techniques and technologies; to assist strategic analysis; to couple strategic analysis with managers’ judgement; to help managers deal with uncertainty; and to aid strategic thinking. Within this framework, the benefits of different strategic analysis models are combined to offer enhanced support for a logical sequence of strategic analysis, while the advantages of diverse support techniques and technologies are integrated and fitted to support different aspects of the marketing strategy development process. As well as the theoretical basis for the proposed framework, the paper also examines the associated technical issues.
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Shuliang Li, Russell Kinman, Yanqing Duan and John S. Edwards
Reports on an investigation of computer‐based support for developing marketing strategy. First, on the basis of a literature study, the nature of marketing strategy development is…
Abstract
Reports on an investigation of computer‐based support for developing marketing strategy. First, on the basis of a literature study, the nature of marketing strategy development is clarified. The needs for computer‐based support are identified. The status and underlying problems of existing computer‐based information systems for developing marketing strategy are then examined. Finally, a mail questionnaire survey on computer‐based support for developing marketing strategy is discussed. The major issues addressed in the survey were: managers’ needs for computer‐based support in developing marketing strategy; the current provision of computer‐based information systems; and the gaps between the identified needs and current provision. It is believed that this was the first study to use a large‐scale questionnaire survey to explore these issues. The findings provide important evidence and implications for both researchers and designers of computer‐based support for marketing strategy development.
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Shuliang Li, Barry Davies, John Edwards, Russell Kinman and Yanqing Duan
A hybrid approach for integrating group Delphi, fuzzy logic and expert systems for developing marketing strategies is proposed in this paper. Within this approach, the group…
Abstract
A hybrid approach for integrating group Delphi, fuzzy logic and expert systems for developing marketing strategies is proposed in this paper. Within this approach, the group Delphi method is employed to help groups of managers undertake SWOT analysis. Fuzzy logic is applied to fuzzify the results of SWOT analysis. Expert systems are utilised to formulate marketing strategies based upon the fuzzified strategic inputs. In addition, guidelines are also provided to help users link the hybrid approach with managerial judgement and intuition. The effectiveness of the hybrid approach has been validated with MBA and MA marketing students. It is concluded that the hybrid approach is more effective in terms of decision confidence, group consensus, helping to understand strategic factors, helping strategic thinking, and coupling analysis with judgement, etc.
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Prinka Dogra and Aubid Hussain Parrey
Based on self-determination theory, the paper examines the employee’s innovative behaviour in a remote-working context. It explores the relationship between e-skill self-efficacy…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on self-determination theory, the paper examines the employee’s innovative behaviour in a remote-working context. It explores the relationship between e-skill self-efficacy (ESSE) in developing innovative behaviour (IB) to stay up with the rising rate of change through the mediating mechanism of employee resilience (ER) and considering organisational support (OS) as a potential moderator in these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted empirical research tested on 298 remote workers from the Indian IT and Education industry. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via Partial Least Squares (PLS) is the statistical methodology used.
Findings
The results identified that ER partially mediates the relationship between ESSE and IB. Further, for the direct effects, it was found that ESSE directly impacts ER and IB. Intriguingly, the moderating role adds depth to our understanding of predicting nuanced conditions under which ESSE and ER influence IB.
Originality/value
Due to organisational significance, IB is gaining increasing attention from scholars. There is a dearth of knowledge on how innovative behaviour can be stimulated at the individual level, despite the rising interest of academicians. Hence, this study bridges the gap and intends to analyse the theoretical model linking ESSE and IB mediated by ER and moderated by OS conducive to the future of remote work. Further, the findings add knowledge to the literature on contemporary remote working. It aids in designing, adopting and implementing policies and practices for the organisations that have (or will move) to remote and hybrid work settings.
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Thomas Lechat and Olivier Torrès
Entrepreneurial activity is particularly rich in affective events, but these affective events are still underexplored compared to salaried work. Nevertheless, in small…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial activity is particularly rich in affective events, but these affective events are still underexplored compared to salaried work. Nevertheless, in small organizations, the running of the whole business may easily be impacted by the owner’s negative experiences.
Methodology/approach
To characterize these emotional lows, we undertook a mixed methods research study using a panel of 357 French small business owners. We collected their monthly work events 10 times and semantically categorized the negative ones. We weighted each category on its probability of occurrence and its emotional intensity of stress. Finally, we assessed the contribution of the cumulated events to the risk of burnout.
Findings
The findings of this study comprise a set of affective event categories applicable to business owners and entrepreneurs. Tables are ranked by times cited and intensity. Results of a regression analysis show that intensity of negative events is related to burnout, especially for younger and female employers.
Research implications
The findings of this study extend the affective events framework to self-employed, supply a rigorous and predictive inventory for future surveys
Practical implications
The results offer small business owners as well as carers an “emotional stressometer” to benchmark the aversive events of the entrepreneurial activity.
Social implications
Employer burnout caused by the experience of negative affective events affects the lives of employers and can carry across to non-work life.
Originality/value
This is the first study to develop a comprehensive list of negative affective events specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs, rather than salaried employees.