Discusses the differing opinions about how rating system changeswill affect small businesses, particularly the views of the Governmentand the Forum of Private Business. Contends…
Abstract
Discusses the differing opinions about how rating system changes will affect small businesses, particularly the views of the Government and the Forum of Private Business. Contends that small businesses are generally unaware of the effects of the rating changes, and cites claims that suggest that revaluation and a national uniform business rate will put 50,000 firms out of business. Concludes that the ratings changes are likely to cause a huge loss in wealth creation unless revised.
Details
Keywords
Francis A. Buttle and Michael Ross Jayne
This paper utilises the findings from the largest‐ever national, omni‐sectoral survey into the impacts of ISO 9000 on UK business and specifically examines the real estate sector…
Abstract
This paper utilises the findings from the largest‐ever national, omni‐sectoral survey into the impacts of ISO 9000 on UK business and specifically examines the real estate sector, contrasting the findings with those found for the larger universe. Analysis across all sectors shows that while companies’ expectations of ISO 9000 are not met in full, they are generally satisfied with the contribution made to their organisation. While the real estate sector differs in points of detail from the larger universe, statistical analysis indicates that there are no significant differences.
Details
Keywords
Looks at the recent development of the teaching of marketing to the owners and managers of small business. Considers the requirements of education of small businesses and the…
Abstract
Looks at the recent development of the teaching of marketing to the owners and managers of small business. Considers the requirements of education of small businesses and the differences that arise. Investigates the attempts of the marketing group of the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, to meet these requirements. Concludes that success for marketing educators can only be achieved by practising marketing in the design and conduct of their programmes.
Details
Keywords
Presents survey results which are derived from the most comprehensive investigation ever undertaken of UK companies certificated to ISO 9000. Reports an analysis of the…
Abstract
Presents survey results which are derived from the most comprehensive investigation ever undertaken of UK companies certificated to ISO 9000. Reports an analysis of the willingness of certificated companies to recommend the standard to other, similar companies. States that the 4,250 certificated organizations mail surveyed, 1,220 (28.7 per cent) responded. Indicates that the companies most willing to recommend ISO 9000 were those most satisfied with the organizational impacts of the standard and these were of three major kinds: profitability impacts, process improvements and marketing benefits. Reports that companies also willing to recommend were those whose expectations had been met, and those who believed the standard to be cost‐effective. Proposes that these results should help deflect criticism about the perceived value of the standard, and motivate companies to pursue certification.
Details
Keywords
Asserts that SMEs are increasingly viewed as the major source of jobs within the UK, but that there is considerable evidence that many fail to grow. Focuses on the development of…
Abstract
Asserts that SMEs are increasingly viewed as the major source of jobs within the UK, but that there is considerable evidence that many fail to grow. Focuses on the development of a particular SME, Pine Cabin, and seeks to highlight the set of factors (mainly internal) which have enabled it to grow. These internal factors are probed and conclusions reached. The research objectives are: (1) how significant was Pine Cabin’s growth?; (2) what were the major contributory factors; and (3) what lessons do theoretical perspectives provide? Concludes that marketing planning, the correct marketing mix, the firm’s strategic approach and, in particular, value chain management have lead to the firm’s financial success.
Details
Keywords
Rajshree Parvani and M.C. Shukla
Water soluble alkyds were prepared from phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride and maleopimaric acid separately by monoglyceride process. Pigmented electro…
Abstract
Water soluble alkyds were prepared from phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride and maleopimaric acid separately by monoglyceride process. Pigmented electro coating compositions were prepared from water soluble alkyd resin, red oxide of iron and zinc phosphate. The anodic electrodeposition parameters such as voltage, time, solid content and pH were optimised. The mechanical and chemical properties of different electrocoating compositions were studied. The coating compositions prepared from water soluble alkyd resin based in maleopimaric acid showed good mechanical and chemical properties.
Mei Feng, Milé Terziovski and Danny Samson
This research paper aims to explore the relationship between ISO 9000 certification and organisational performance by developing an ISO 9000 relationship model.
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper aims to explore the relationship between ISO 9000 certification and organisational performance by developing an ISO 9000 relationship model.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey instrument was used for quantitative data collection based on a global survey in collaboration with the Anderson School of Business, UCLA. All items were measured on a five point modified Likert scale. The data were analysed statistically by means of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Factor analysis was performed. Multiple regressions was used to test the hypotheses. Both validity and reliability of the measures were checked in order to reduce measurement error.
Findings
The results show a positive and significant relationship between certification practices (implementation, organisational commitment and planning) with operational performance. However, the relationship between these practices with business performance was found to be positive but not significant of the variables we studied, organisational commitment to certification was found to be most strongly related to operational and business performance.
Practical implications
The success of implementing ISO 9000 certification would be increased (operational and business performance) if it is well planned and implemented when the philosophical quality aspects of the organisation are coupled with employee training, periodic audits, corrective action and commitment at all levels of the organisation.
Originality/value
This paper's unique contribution to the literature is the rigorous research and analysis which statistically identify the best predictors for successful ISO 9000 implementation. The results demystify the confusion and contradictions which exist in the literature on the efficacy of ISO 9000 certification.
Details
Keywords
David Carson and Stanley Cromie
Discusses some of the features of small firms and emphasizes thatbusiness proprietors have a different approach to marketing than domarketing managers in large concerns. Examines…
Abstract
Discusses some of the features of small firms and emphasizes that business proprietors have a different approach to marketing than do marketing managers in large concerns. Examines some empirical evidence which showed about two‐thirds of small firms had a nonmarketing approach, almost a third were implicit marketers while very few were sophisticated marketers. Surmises that small firms require a high level of simplicity in their marketing approach if it is to be successful.
Details
Keywords
Reports a survey of the largest‐ever national survey of the international quality management system, ISO 9000 (BS EN ISO 9000), which has been installed in 95,000 companies…
Abstract
Reports a survey of the largest‐ever national survey of the international quality management system, ISO 9000 (BS EN ISO 9000), which has been installed in 95,000 companies internationally. Specifically, reports the marketing considerations which motivate companies to seek certification and the marketing benefits which accrue from certification. Mail surveys were carried out on 4,250 certificated organizations; 1,220 (28.7 per cent) responded. Marketing considerations were secondary in seeking registration, and outcomes related to profitability and process improvement were more highly valued than marketing benefits.
Details
Keywords
Guy Parrott, Muhammad Azam Roomi and David Holliman
The purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary SME marketing activities. While acknowledging operational constraints, the paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary SME marketing activities. While acknowledging operational constraints, the paper aims to hypothesize that, if effective marketing planning was employed, this would improve the long‐term growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises. The paper seeks to assess the implications current practices may have on the long‐term survival of enterprises and to identify significant SME marketing development and training needs.
Design/methodology/approach
A marketing audit approach yielded data from the collation of 125 completed online questionnaires within the East of England region. Statistical analysis using SPSS was applied to produce an in‐depth quantitative analysis of these data. In addition, qualitative data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews of some 20 owner‐managers. These responses were further inductively analysed and interpreted.
Findings
Data analysis demonstrated a significant disparity between their perceived marketing effectiveness compared with their actual practices recorded at interview. Significantly, they failed to understand why campaigns did not yield results, as they routinely did not employ appropriate controls and procedures. SMEs believed that they were fully cognisant of the effectiveness of their marketing activity, through further exploration; evidence revealed that they failed to employ sufficient review procedures, and in the extreme cases these procedures were non‐existent. A direct correlation was also witnessed between company size and the application of effective marketing planning. Larger enterprises demonstrated a greater awareness of strategic marketing competence.
Originality/value
Their ability to understand their marketplace and to become truly competitive relies on SMEs developing a deeper understanding of their current marketing decision‐making processes through the systematic adoption of more robust strategic procedures. In summary, there is an observable difference between marketing activities conducted by SMEs and best practice defined in academic theory.