A technique is described using probabilities and applicable where significant amounts of business are taken up by relatively few customers of quite variable size or needs…
Abstract
A technique is described using probabilities and applicable where significant amounts of business are taken up by relatively few customers of quite variable size or needs themselves. The analysis is based on consumer products, but applies equally to any business fulfilling these criteria. It can also be used to measure the results of “risks/opportunities” calculations where some values would be negative.
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Verity Hawarden and Amy Fisher Moore
The sub field of academia that the case is designed to teach is small business development, entrepreneurship or women in business.
Abstract
Subject area:
The sub field of academia that the case is designed to teach is small business development, entrepreneurship or women in business.
Study level/applicability:
This case is appropriate for graduate and post-graduate, MBA and executive education students focusing on entrepreneurship, small business development or women in business.
Case overview
This real-life case is based on interviews that took place with Kate Rogan, the co-founder of Love Books, and other stakeholders associated with the small bookselling business that is based in the suburb of Melville in Johannesburg. It describes how Rogan’s past influenced how she saw and was open to the opportunity; and how, through passion, commitment, dedication and stakeholder management, she created a business that brought meaning to her and others’ lives. Rogan’s vast experience in editing, publishing and radio influenced how she evaluated the bookstore opportunity. For the past 11 years, she focused on building a loyal customer base through knowing her customers, staying on top of current industry and market trends and constantly thinking about how she could add value through minimal financial outlay. COVID-19 further complicated her thinking about how to traditionally market and sell books to her client base. As the case concludes, Rogan wonders how to build upon the foundations of her successful bookshop and grow profitability while remaining true to her and the business’s values.
Expected learning outcomes
The case allows students to consider the key enablers for assessing entrepreneurial opportunities and drivers of small business growth. Following discussion and analysis of the case, students should be able to: explore how cognitive dynamics affect an entrepreneur’s evaluation of opportunities; analyze the case against the 4Cs (continuity, community, connection and command) of competitive business advantage; evaluate building blocks for sustainable business profitability; and assess and recommend different learnings for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 7: Management Science.
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LAST WEEK I was asked to go and buy two publications. This gave me a chance to visit GILLIAN CLEGG, librarian of the advertising trade paper ‘Campaign’. She had won the 1971 Sir…
Abstract
LAST WEEK I was asked to go and buy two publications. This gave me a chance to visit GILLIAN CLEGG, librarian of the advertising trade paper ‘Campaign’. She had won the 1971 Sir Evelyn Wrench Travelling Fellowship and during her month in the us and Canada visited libraries providing business information particularly in publishing, advertising and marketing. Not a surprising choice for a girl who had previously worked for the advertising agencies J Walter Thompson and Lintas! I asked her about the visit.
To examine the relationship that athletes establish with their bodies within sport and through their transitions out of sport, with a special focus on risk, injury and pain.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the relationship that athletes establish with their bodies within sport and through their transitions out of sport, with a special focus on risk, injury and pain.
Approach
This chapter is an explanatory review of the literature focusing on the embodied and sensory experiences of athletes as they depart sport.
Findings
This chapter explores definitions and conceptualizations of the retirement process, highlights how the body is experienced during the sporting exit (as fragile and out of control) and makes connections between how bodily breakdown during sporting exits impacts an athlete’s sense of self and identity.
Implications
Through practical recommendations, this chapter highlights some of the ways in which psycho-education and an expanded focus on the body could be useful to athletes as they attempt to reconcile their new lives and bodies post-sport.
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Muhammad Akhtar and Muhammad Umair Malik
The study aims to examine the relationship between personality traits and investor risk behavior of the individuals trading in stock markets. Furthermore, this study establishes…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine the relationship between personality traits and investor risk behavior of the individuals trading in stock markets. Furthermore, this study establishes the association of financial literacy on the relationship between personality traits and investor risk behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyze cross-sectional survey method data by using moderated multiple regression analysis, a standard method of determining the moderation effect. PROCESS Model method has been used in this study to check the robustness of the results.
Findings
The findings reveal that personality traits significantly influence investor risk behavior and financial literacy modifies the fundamental relationships between personality traits and investor risk behavior. The findings also conclude that behavioral impact was predetermined by individuals' genetic traits and is influenced by financial literacy.
Research limitations/implications
The current study provides valuable insights for investors and adamant grounds for future research. The two-fold role of individuals' personalities in case of gains and losses can be of interest to the researchers in future.
Practical implications
Investors currently facing the complex financial choices which are far beyond the day-to-day financial advice. This study guides rational investment behavior for portfolio managers and investors for advanced investment options.
Social implications
Most of the prior literature is based on developed markets, whereas the current study focuses on less literate society (i.e. Pakistan) to protect the investors from scams and fraud. The current study supports the vital role of investors in the socio-economic development of emerging markets.
Originality/value
The authors believe this study expands the boundaries of personality theories, especially in the context of risk behavior and financial literacy. The study also contributes to advancing the personality theory trimmed with financial literacy and investor behavior while making important theoretical inroads for future research.
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Maruska Giselle Salvatierra Blaisdell and Changsang Yun
This study aims to examine the effect of laundering on the softness and smoothness of terry-cloth towels by different washing machine type, washing temperature, drying method and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of laundering on the softness and smoothness of terry-cloth towels by different washing machine type, washing temperature, drying method and the use of fabric softener, using a newly developed sound spectrum analysis known as Textile Softness Analyzer.
Design/methodology/approach
The experiment was designed to analyze the most significant laundering parameter in the reduction of softness and smoothness of terry cloth during one laundering cycle up to ten cycles by testing samples using TSA machine.
Findings
A front-loading washer had a significant effect on reducing softness and smoothness in comparison to a top-loading machine; line-drying resulted in a higher decrease in softness and smoothness than tumble-drying. Washing temperature showed no significant effect, and the use of softener during washing was able to reduce the negative effect of line-drying on the softness and smoothness of terry cloth.
Originality/value
This paper provided information on the laundering parameters that can maintain the softness and smoothness of terry-cloth towels, and this was examined with sound spectrum analysis to measure softness and smoothness of textiles.
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James Langenfeld and Brad Noffsker
In a number of recent multi-billion dollar cases brought against cigarette manufacturers, plaintiffs have in part alleged that the cigarette manufacturers (1) conspired not to…
Abstract
In a number of recent multi-billion dollar cases brought against cigarette manufacturers, plaintiffs have in part alleged that the cigarette manufacturers (1) conspired not to compete on the basis of health claims or the introduction of potentially safer cigarettes since the 1950s, and (2) engaged in fraudulent advertising by making implied health claims in advertisements selling ‘low tar’/‘light’ cigarettes. In this type of litigation, defendants’ actions could be due to alleged illegal behaviour as asserted by plaintiffs, or be the result of market forces that may have nothing to do with allegedly inappropriate acts. We examine the economic evidence relating to these allegations, taking into account some of the major influences on cigarette company behaviour. In particular, our analyses show that much of the cigarette manufactures’ behaviour can be explained by Federal Trade Commission and related government actions, rather than conspiracy or fraudulent acts. We find the economic evidence is inconsistent with an effective conspiracy to suppress information on either smoking and health or the development and marketing of potentially safer cigarettes. Regarding ‘lower tar’ and ‘light’ cigarettes, the economic evidence indicates that the cigarette manufacturers responded to government and public health initiatives, and that disclosing more information on smoking compensation earlier than the cigarette companies did would not have had any significant impact on smoking behaviour.
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Muskan Sachdeva, Ritu Lehal, Sanjay Gupta and Aashish Garg
In recent years, significant research has focused on the question of whether severe market periods are accompanied by herding behavior. As herding behavior is a considerable cause…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, significant research has focused on the question of whether severe market periods are accompanied by herding behavior. As herding behavior is a considerable cause of the speculative bubble and leads to stock market deviations from their basic values it is necessary to examine the motivators which led to herding behavior among investors. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors performed a two-phase analysis to address the research questions of the study. In the first phase, for text analysis NVivo software was used to identify the factors driving herding behavior among Indian stock investors. The analysis of a text was performed using word frequency analysis. While in the second phase, the Fuzzy-AHP analysis techniques were employed to examine the relative importance of all the factors determined and assign priorities to the factors extracted.
Findings
Results of the study depicted Investor Cognitive Psychology (ICP), Market Information (MI), Stock Characteristics (SC) as the top-ranked factors driving herding behavior, while Socio-Economic Factors (SEF) emerged as the least important factor driving herding behavior.
Research limitations/implications
The current study was undertaken among stock investors from North India only. Moreover, numerous factors are not part of the study but might significantly influence the investors' herding behaviors.
Practical implications
Comprehending the influences of the different factors discussed in the study would enable stock investors to be more aware of their investment choices and not resort to herd behavior. This research enables decision-makers to understand the reasons for herd activity and helps them act accordingly to improve the stock market's performance.
Originality/value
The current study will provide an inclusive overview of herding behavior motivators among Indian stock investors. This study's results can be extremely useful for both academics and policymakers to gain some insight into the functioning of the Indian stock market.
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Terry Driscoll and Jonathan Morris
According to management pundits, an organisational transformation has occurred during the past decade. The bureaucratic, hierarchical organisation is no longer appropriate to meet…
Abstract
According to management pundits, an organisational transformation has occurred during the past decade. The bureaucratic, hierarchical organisation is no longer appropriate to meet the needs of greater market uncertainty, volatility and intensified competition. Instead organisations are to be flatter, “leaner”, more focused, more responsive and more flexible (Kanter, 1995; Peters, 1992).