Tomás Escobar-Rodríguez and Rocío Bonsón-Fernández
The present study examines relationship building of major players in fashion retailing through social media. Using the theories of word-of-mouth marketing and brand community as…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study examines relationship building of major players in fashion retailing through social media. Using the theories of word-of-mouth marketing and brand community as theoretical frameworks, this paper analyses the impact of social media marketing in creating brand community. To that end, the use of the popular networking site Facebook was studied. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the extent and main purposes of the usage of this communication channel and to examine companies’ activity on their Facebook pages as well as to observe their audiences and the effect in their audiences’ engagement. Additionally, this paper analyses the main type of content and the most commonly used type of media.
Design/methodology/approach
Research was based on a content analysis performed on 2,326 Facebook posts; a sample of 46 international leading companies in the fashion industry was analyzed in the time period between March 1 and May 31, 2015.
Findings
Facebook audience is positively related to retailer’s size. However, audiences in this sector are not related to the level of activity of the retailers’ Facebook pages. Audience engagement and participation in fashion retailer’s Facebook sites is higher in small retailers. The main content of the Facebook pages of top fashion retailers is marketing, photo albums and videos being the most popular drivers of this means.
Originality/value
No previous research analyzed fashion retailers use of Facebook sites. This study examines the variables size and engagement of fashion retailers’ audience on Facebook according to retailers’ size and activity on their corporate profiles.
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Enrique Bonsón Ponte, Elena Carvajal-Trujillo and Tomás Escobar-Rodríguez
The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial assessment of corporate Facebook use by Spanish hotel chains. Two aspects are considered: communication activity and stakeholder…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial assessment of corporate Facebook use by Spanish hotel chains. Two aspects are considered: communication activity and stakeholder engagement through this social media platform.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a content analysis, data on 109 Spanish hotel chains are collected to describe current practices and identify significant relationships among different variables.
Findings
The main findings include that their Facebook presence, audiences and levels of activity are positively related to hotel size, while stakeholder engagement is higher in small hotel chains and seems to be influenced by content and media types.
Originality/value
This research contributes to previous research by providing an assessment of corporate Facebook in the hospitality industry (Spanish hotel chains). The paper considers two aspects: communication activity and stakeholder engagement through this social media platform.
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Enrique Bonsón, Virginia Cortijo, Tomas Escobar, Francisco Flores and Sergio Monreal
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the way in which the insurance industry is facing the renewal of its regulatory framework with respect to the levels of solvency that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the way in which the insurance industry is facing the renewal of its regulatory framework with respect to the levels of solvency that insurance entities should maintain. This paper also addresses how technological initiatives in general, and the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), in particular, are making a key contribution to the process of adaptation to the new regulation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyses the particular advantages that the application of the XBRL standard can offer in this process, and highlight new lines for further research.
Findings
After analysing the current situation of the insurance industry, the paper concludes that technological systems, such as XBRL, are necessary to support the consolidation of financial information, and to ensure the digital transparency of the insurer organisations that are engaged in this new regulatory challenge.
Practical implications
XBRL is a key resource in the European Common Reporting Project whose objective is the implementation of Basel II in the European Union. The implementation of Solvency II can benefit from this previous experience. Therefore, it suggest a proposal for action.
Originality/value
The affiliation of the authors to the insurance sector, the academia and the XBRL community contributes to create a complete view of the possibilities of this breaking project.
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Enrique Bonsón‐Ponte, Tomás Escobar‐Rodríguez and Francisco Flores‐Muñoz
The objective of this study is to measure the navigation quality of the corporate webpages of the principal European financial entities, given the vital importance of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to measure the navigation quality of the corporate webpages of the principal European financial entities, given the vital importance of the accessibility of online content for the successful execution of their operational activities.
Design/methodology/approach
The web quality model proposes a structure that allows the quality of corporate webpages to be analysed according to the three main quality criteria of content, presentation and ease of navigation (navigability). Bonsón et al. take this theoretical framework as their point of departure for analysing the webpages of the principal European financial entities, and they measure the quality of their content in the context of the extra significance these webpages will acquire when the new Basel II international regulations enter into force in the imminent future. In this study, a joint analysis is made of the results of both studies in order to classify European financial entities according to the strategy adopted for their web sites.
Findings
The size of the entity behind the corporate webpage is revealed as the key variable that explains better navigability. There is also a positive relationship between the navigability and the content presented, which shows that companies' strategies for improving the quality of their web site tend to be harmonised in respect of these two criteria.
Practical implications
The approach of most of the entities to their web presence can be characterised as informational in the sense that they are making substantial efforts to improve the content, driven by impending new regulation. However, they are still not utilising various devices available to make their web sites easier to navigate. Better navigability would improve user access to the enhanced information provided.
Originality/value
The resources have been determined that are needed to improve navigability so that these entities can advance their web site strategies and provide a harmonious combination of adequate content and fast, easy access to that content.
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Keywords
Enrique Bonsón‐Ponte, Tomás Escobar‐Rodríguez and Francisco Flores‐Muñoz
The objective of the present work is to analyse the web pages of the principal European financial entities, with the aim of assessing the degree to which they are already…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of the present work is to analyse the web pages of the principal European financial entities, with the aim of assessing the degree to which they are already disseminating information by internet in preparation for implementing the new requirements for transparency introduced by the New Capital Agreement of the Bank of International Settlements of Basel (Basel II).
Design/methodology/approach
The study takes as its reference the literature existing on the examination of the quality of web pages, in particular the provisions of the Web Quality Model (WQM), and the importance of the content as a key variable in the quality of web pages. The normative requirements are converted into a disclosure index that is used to score the corporate web sites of all the banks quoted on the EuroStoxx Index. A linear regression analysis is performed in search for a relationship between size and degree of web transparency in the financial entities analysed.
Findings
The analysis of these entities shows that, to a certain degree, they have anticipated Basel II, and their web pages present a significant proportion of the information that will shortly be required. They seem to recognise the advantages of anticipating these new rules, in particular, and of greater transparency in general.
Practical implications
The banking sector is responding efficiently to the requirements of the digital society, by greater transparency on the web and, in consequence, its image and the confidence of depositors are improving.
Originality/value
Transparency in the banking sector is a topic of great interest in the current turbulent business environment. In these studies a systematised analysis is offered, to give a preview of the situation of generalised transparency that is coming closer through the requirements of Basel II.
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Enrique Bonsón‐Ponte, Tomás Escobar‐Rodríguez and Francisco Flores‐Muñoz
The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of an information submission model based on OWL (Web Ontology Language) that permits the subsequent implementation of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of an information submission model based on OWL (Web Ontology Language) that permits the subsequent implementation of knowledge‐sharing systems, such as the Set of Experience Knowledge Structure, among the various EU banking supervisors.
Design/methodology/approach
Recent theoretical advances in the use of semantic web languages are introduced and put theoretically into force in the context. Additionally, a first‐hand questionnaire is directed to the supervisors, measuring the value compatibility of the semantic technology with the needs of the existing European banking environment.
Findings
The results illustrate that there exists a good level of value compatibility between the normative challenge and the new technology. Although there are some differences, these would perhaps not make the implementation of this technological framework particularly difficult, in that they focus on the same points that the regulators must consider to achieve success in the new European environment, for example, the balance between normative and practical approaches.
Originality/value
This is the fist time that an ontology‐based system has been proposed for banking supervision in Europe.
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Enrique Bonsón, Michaela Bednarova and Tomás Escobar-Rodríguez
The current study extends the investigation into online relationship building by examining how Eurozone companies belonging to the EURO STOXX 600 index use the popular video…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study extends the investigation into online relationship building by examining how Eurozone companies belonging to the EURO STOXX 600 index use the popular video platform YouTube to facilitate dialogic communication with their stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent and main purposes of the channel's usage, the companies’ activities and online practices, as well as the factors on this platform influencing the channel's activity, the audience, and the stakeholders’ engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this goal a sample of 306 Eurozone companies listed in the STOXX Europe 600 index, including 19 subsectors and 12 countries, have been analysed. Stakeholder and dialogic theory were applied as a theoretical background for this study.
Findings
The results indicated that 44 per cent of companies studied have an official YouTube channel, which is mostly used for promotional purposes. It was found that the size of the company, the sector, and its country of origin determine YouTube channel activity, and that higher activity leads to a higher number of subscribers, thus fostering an initial step to better stakeholder engagement.
Originality/value
Given that this is the first study of its kind to provide this type of analysis, the resulting unique contributions may provide value to the information systems field and also contribute to the advancement of information systems research.
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Francisco Flores, Enrique Bónson‐Ponte and Tomás Escobar‐Rodríguez
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the capacity of response of the banking sector's information systems (IS), in the light of the new requirements of Basel II (Basel Bank for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the capacity of response of the banking sector's information systems (IS), in the light of the new requirements of Basel II (Basel Bank for International Settlements) on the measurement and control of operational risk (OR).
Design/methodology/approach
By means of a structured case, developed with a Spanish savings bank of medium size, an analysis is made of the practices and structures that may need to be modified to prevent a loss of competitive position. Lastly specific improvements are proposed to facilitate the implementation of an operational risk information system (OR‐IS).
Findings
The paper concludes that there still exists a considerable distance between the current IS in use and an OR‐IS compatible with the model proposed under Basel II, for that kind of entities, and indicates the opportunities and incentives that would arise in the attempt to reduce this distance.
Practical implications
The IS of a bank should evolve towards the achievement of an OR‐IS that enables the bank's competitive position to be strengthened. In addition, the bank should aspire to obtain the external validation of its supervisory authority, which certifies the OR‐IS implemented and classifies it as an advanced measurement approach (AMA) under Basel II. An analysis is made of the principal organisational weaknesses and necessities that should be rectified, with a view to applying the methodologies designated the AMA to OR in the Basel II agreement.
Originality/value
Basel II has given increased visibility to the “OR” variable and there has been little explicit research into the process by which managers and organisations at medium sized entities decide to develop IS capable to measure and mitigate this new risk.
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Nefike Gunden, Cristian Morosan and Agnes L. DeFranco
This study aims to develop and validate a conceptual model that explains consumers’ persuasion by the information available on online food delivery systems (OFDS). The study…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop and validate a conceptual model that explains consumers’ persuasion by the information available on online food delivery systems (OFDS). The study validated consumers’ price savings orientation as an antecedent of two types of browsing behaviors (utilitarian and hedonic). Browsing and social influences were examined as predictors of persuasion.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was conducted to determine constructs that constituted the best conceptual model for this study. To test the model, an online instrument was developed, and data were collected with the help of a global marketing panel company from 333 consumers who have used OFDS. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test the hypotheses of the model.
Findings
The study found that consumers’ price savings orientation strongly influenced both types of browsing. However, while utilitarian browsing did not influence consumers’ persuasion, hedonic browsing and social influence were strong predictors of persuasion.
Research limitations/implications
Given the uniqueness of the study that stems from its task-technology context and the type of product being purchased, this study advances the literature in hospitality information technology, especially in the relatively neglected foodservice information technology area. The study also provides implications for both restaurants and OFDS as critical stakeholders in this important area.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine consumers’ persuasion in a food-service online retail context. This study is also the first to examine both types of browsing as distinct constructs in hospitality and to explain their differential role in persuasion.
摘要
研究目的
本论文提出和验证了在线送餐系统(OFDS)解释顾客劝服的理论模型。本论文检测了顾客省钱心理作为两种浏览行为的动力(功利型和享乐型)。浏览行为和社会影响作为顾客劝服的因子在本文中进行了检验。.
研究设计/方法/途径
本论文通过审阅文献以找到最佳模型。通过在线采样的方式, 与全球营销公司合作, 搜集数据, 样本数量为333位使用过OFDS的顾客。分析方法为验证性因子分析和结构方程模式以验证假设模型。.
研究结果
研究发现顾客省钱心理对两种浏览模式有着重大影响。然而, 功利型浏览行为并不影响顾客劝服, 但是享乐型浏览和社会影响成为劝服的强烈动力。.
研究理论限制/意义
由于本论文的独特性在于其任务-科技背景和购买产品类别, 本论文对酒店信息科技的文献有着延展性贡献, 特别是在较少关注的餐饮服务信息技术领域。本论文还对饭店和OFDS, 两大在此领域重要利益相关者提供了启示。.
研究原创性/价值
本论文是首篇检测在线餐饮销售领域中的顾客劝服问题。此外, 本论文也是首篇检测两种类别浏览行为, 以及检验其行为对顾客劝服的特别作用。.
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Javier Alfonso Rodríguez-Escobar and Javier González-Benito
This research aims to establish the role of the purchasing function’s strategic alignment in the relationship between well-established practices and performance in that function…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to establish the role of the purchasing function’s strategic alignment in the relationship between well-established practices and performance in that function. It is argued that the strategic alignment of purchasing may have effects (direct, mediating and moderating effects) on the purchasing function’s operating performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses derived from key studies about strategic and advanced purchasing practices are tested with data from 156 industrial companies using structural equation modelling methodology.
Findings
The results suggest that the effect of strategic alignment on the role of purchasing consists of mediated effects on purchasing performance through implementation of certain advanced practices. It was also concluded that strategic alignment – as well as the implementation of these advanced purchasing practices – fosters the implementation of differentiation strategies based on quality, dependability and flexibility rather than on the implementation of cost leadership strategies.
Research limitations/implications
Although it is a common practice in operations management research, the use of perceptual measures obtained from a single informant constitutes a noteworthy limitation. Future research should make an effort to combine different sources of information and to identify and use more objective indicators.
Practical implications
Top managers should take into account the need to involve the purchasing function in the firm’s strategic planning process.
Originality/value
The results not only confirm findings from previous literature as to the purchasing function’s strategic relevance but also help clarify the mechanisms that make this integration important.